10 signs of stress addiction to watch out for

Have you ever found yourself chasing tight deadlines, juggling multiple tasks, or feeling anxious even when there is nothing urgent? You might be caught in a cycle of stress addiction, which many people do not even realise they have. Stress addiction happens when someone keeps seeking out or creating stressful situations because they feel more productive or alive in chaos. This habit can lead to serious problems like constant worry, burnout, and health issues due to high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Often, people do not notice the negative effects until their health starts to suffer. However, knowing the signs of stress addiction can help you deal with it in a better way.

What is stress addiction?

Stress addiction happens when someone feels a constant need to be in a position where they feel pressured to feel more productive. People with this addiction might actively look for stress or create stressful scenarios because they get a sense of purpose or excitement from it. This habit can lead to constant worry, burnout, and health problems, as chronic stress increases cortisol levels—the hormone that releases during stress. High cortisol levels can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other health issues. Stress addiction is often driven by an underlying need for validation, control, or excitement.

10 signs of stress addiction

Here are some common symptoms that show you are addicted to stress:

1. Constant fatigue

One of the most significant signs of stress addiction is perpetual fatigue. If you find yourself feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep or a weekend off, stress might be the culprit. Chronic stress depletes the energy reserves of your body, making it difficult for you to feel rested. This constant state of tiredness can be a red flag that your stress levels are excessively high and can increase the risk for anxiety and mood disorders, as per a study published by the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology.

2. Thinking about work all the time

If your mind is always occupied with work-related thoughts or responsibilities, it is a sign of stress addiction. This includes frequently checking your phone or email for work updates, even during personal time. When work or obligations dominate your thoughts to the point where you cannot focus on other activities, it indicates that stress has become an ingrained part of your daily life.

Also read: 11 tips to find joy at work, increase productivity and reduce stress

3. Lack of free time

Another sign of stress addiction is an inability to unwind, coupled with feelings of guilt when you try to relax. Many people addicted to stress struggle with the notion that taking a break is unproductive or wasteful. They might feel uncomfortable engaging in rest or taking time off, constantly thinking they should be working or accomplishing something. This guilt prevents them from fully enjoying downtime and recovering from stress.

4. Mood swings

Stress influences emotional health, mood, memory, and decision-making abilities, which may lead to frequent mood swings and irritability, according to a study published in Public Library of Science One. If you notice yourself becoming easily frustrated or upset over minor issues, stress could be a significant factor. The constant pressure and anxiety can disrupt your emotional balance, causing you to react more intensely to everyday challenges and conflicts.

5. Always saying yes

Another sign of stress addiction is a pattern of constantly saying yes to requests or obligations, even when it is not feasible. This behaviour often arises from a desire to please others or a fear of disappointing them. Overcommitting yourself can lead to an overwhelming schedule and increased stress levels, as you struggle to juggle multiple responsibilities and expectations simultaneously.

Also read: Do you find it hard to say ‘NO’ to people? We got a psychologist to explain why

6. Working under pressure

If you consistently work under pressure, such as completing tasks at the last minute or meeting tight deadlines, stress might be a significant factor in your life. Procrastination and last-minute rushes often stem from an unhealthy relationship with stress, where doing last-minute things under pressure becomes a motivating factor. A study published by Teaching and Learning in Nursing reveals that the constant state of high-stress work can lead to burnout and exacerbate other signs of stress addiction.

7. Poor sleep

Stress and the sleep cycle are interlinked. Stress often impacts sleep patterns, resulting in difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep, states a study published by the Journal of Family and Community Medicine. If you are frequently waking up in the middle of the night or struggling with insomnia, your stress levels may be too high. Poor sleep exacerbates stress, creating a vicious cycle where inadequate rest contributes to increased stress, which in turn leads to even poorer sleep.

8. Stressful relationships

If your relationships are consistently stressful, it may be a sign of a stress addiction. Chronic stress can make you irritated and rude sometimes, which can even show in your behaviour, causing tension with loved ones. You might find yourself arguing more frequently, feeling disconnected, or struggling to maintain healthy relationships due to the high levels of stress you are experiencing.

9. High blood pressure

Living with stress all the time can lead to high blood pressure or hypertension, a serious health concern, according to a study published by the Wisconsin Medical Journal. Stress activates the fight-or-flight response of the body, causing the heart to beat faster and blood vessels to constrict. Over time, you may develop a high BP condition, which can have detrimental effects on your cardiovascular health.

10. Comparing yourself with others

Constantly comparing yourself to others is another sign of stress addiction. This behaviour often stems from the pressure to meet or exceed the standards set by peers, colleagues, or societal expectations. If you find yourself frequently measuring your achievements or progress against others, it may indicate that stress is driving you to seek validation and approval, creating a cycle of anxiety and self-doubt.

Also read: Why do some people need constant validation? An expert tells us all

How to deal with stress addiction?

To overcome it, people need to learn better ways to handle stress, manage cortisol levels, and find a healthier balance in their lives. Here are 7 tips that can help you:

1. Recognize the patterns: Acknowledge when you are seeking out or creating stressful situations. Understanding your triggers can help you address them more effectively.
2. Set boundaries: Learn to say no and set limits on your workload. Prioritize tasks and avoid overcommitting to prevent unnecessary stress. Also, take breaks and when you are resting, avoid work.
3. Practise mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help you stay calm and centered, reducing the impulse to chase stress.
4. Adopt a healthy routine: Incorporate regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep into your daily life. These habits improve your physical health and resilience to stress.

5. Develop hobbies: Find activities you enjoy that are relaxing or fulfilling. Engaging in hobbies can provide a healthy distraction from stress and help you unwind.
6. Reframe your thoughts: Challenge and reframe negative thoughts that contribute to stress addiction. Practice cognitive restructuring to shift from a mindset that thrives on stress to one that embraces balance and calm.
7. Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your stress addiction. Professional help can offer strategies and support for managing your stress levels.

By following these tips shared by the expert, you can break the cycle of stress addiction and develop a more balanced approach to handling life challenges!