10 Things That Are Stressing You Out More Than You Think

Constantly checking your phone, whether it's to answer texts, check email, or surf the web, can take its toll over time. Being "plugged in" 24/7 can lead to feelings of anxiousness or a persistent fear that you're missing something important. If possible, try to set aside a certain amount of time each day to experience life phone-free. 

Eating lots of fattening foods can make you feel sluggish and fatigued. Additionally, a poor diet may cause you to frequently worry about the potential health risks of being overweight. On the other hand, eating a diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables can give you more energy and make you feel better overall. 

There are many reasons why being addicted to social media can add unnecessary stress to your life. From posting a selfie and worrying about how many “likes” it gets to obsessively checking your newsfeed for updates, it's easy to fall down to social media rabbit hole. Try taking a break from your online profiles for a while and see how much better you feel! 

The average adult should be getting between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. When you consistently fall short of this minimum, sleep deprivation slowly starts affecting your mood, your memory, and your stress level. 

Research has shown that a cluttered lifestyle leads to a cluttered mind as well. In addition the stress of trying to navigate through all that junk, a messy home can leave you feeling guilty and socially isolated. Chances are, it’s having an effect on your wellbeing, whether you realize it or not. 

Studies have shown time and again that music provides us with a number of relaxing benefits. However, not all music is created equal in this respect. If you find that your steady diet of heavy metal is leaving you angry and tense, consider switching to something a bit more soothing. 

While putting off a big project in favor of a Netflix binge may sound relaxing in theory, you’re really just adding more unnecessary stress to your life. Learning how to plan each day and effectively manage your time can help you feel calmer and in control. 

If you can’t remember the last time you laughed until you cried, you are doing it wrong. Laughter has many health benefits, including relaxing your muscles, stimulating blood flow, relieving pain, promoting a healthy immune system, and relieving stress. 

Getting regular physical activity has many stress relieving benefits because of the feel-good endorphins released by your brain when you work out. Also, studies show that physical activity helps your body be more equipped to deal with stress on a daily basis. A lack of exercise can leave you feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and stressed. 

Although helping out where and when you can may not seem like a big deal, taking on too many responsibilities will eventually begin to take its toll. You don't want to let anyone down, but adding too much to your plate can leave you feeling stressed and overworked. Prioritizing what's important and saying "no" to trivial requests will reduce your anxiety levels and leave you with more free time.