Do you do your best work when you’re in a panic state, racing toward an impossible, strict deadline? If so, you could be one of the few people who thrive in stressful situations. Stress acts as a sort of stimulant for you, and while it can feel exhilarating to narrowly beat a deadline, it isn’t healthy. What’s more, it can become addictive, which could have devastating health consequences.
Are You Suffering From Stress Addiction?
Can stress be addictive? You bet! An addiction occurs once something — stress, in this case — takes control of the brain. Once addiction takes hold, you can’t get enough, even if you’re experiencing adverse effects. According to The American Institute of Stress, common signs of stress addiction include:
- Thriving on deadlines.
- Difficulty doing nothing.
- Constant FOMO.
- Inability to calm thoughts, especially at night.
- Constant shifting from one activity to the next.
- Stress when you’re not plugged in.
- Spending time off thinking about work.
While you may think you’re coping well despite the above symptoms, unchecked stress can take a toll on your health.
Dangers of Living in Stress
Stress can affect the body, even when you’re seemingly coping well and being productive. Constant stress can contribute to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, as well as a multitude of physical issues. Some physical effects of stress include IBS, heart strain and altered endocrine function. People who are stressed get sick more often and have a harder time fighting off illness than those who have found their Zen.
How to Find Balance in Your Life
Stress and college go hand-in-hand, which can make it difficult to find balance. It is possible, however. The best thing you can do to alleviate stress at school is to practice effective time management. Map out your time and prioritize your assignments, advises Odyssey. Don’t put off assignments until they’re due. Rather, do small amounts of work for each course each day to stay on track. And remember, college is not a competition.
Bottom line, stress is not good for the body. This is true even if you feel like you thrive in stressful situations. For this reason, you must strive for balance in your life. Stress is inevitable, but you don’t have to live in it constantly or invite it upon yourself.
