Permanent tension has negative consequences for our mental and physical health. A study has now revealed that stress permanently changes our character. One characteristic stands out in particular. Time to slow down!
Isn’t stress part of life?
Stress in everyday life, at work, in relationships: we all experience challenging times. It only becomes difficult when the stress level gets out of hand and a short phase turns into a long period. It also depends on whether the pressure is self-inflicted or comes from outside. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can experience mental and physical consequences or even suffer from burnout.
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According to study: This is the effect stress has on our character
As a study has now found, it not only affects our physical health, but also our character. If certain stressful situations persist over a longer period of time, certain personality traits become established – and not exactly to our advantage.
One Study by psychologists Dr. Grant Shields, Loren L. Toussaint and Dr. George M. Slavich from the University of California found that stressed people are more pessimistic about life. They gradually lose their optimism. The study examined 332 adults from different age groups. Also worrying: our ability to concentrate decreases, we are less empathetic, we react oversensitively and can become aggressive.
What you can do to combat too much stress
Constant tension not only affects us, it also has a negative effect on our interpersonal relationships. We may end up not treating others well or neglecting them. What can help? First, analyze your own behavior. Only then can you look for a sustainable solution that will make you feel better. This often means that we have to change something fundamental in our lives. This could be our job, habits or the people we surround ourselves with. Studies show how important mental health is in the workplace: these jobs can lead to mental health problems more often – and these are the jobs that apparently make people happy.
Ideas for rituals that do you good
These tips can also help:
If you feel like you can no longer cope with the stress and cannot handle the situation on your own, seek help. The first step could be your closest friends, your family or a therapeutic counseling session.
