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Stresslaxing is when you feel stressed about trying to relax. It’s the anxiety that comes from thinking about all the things you need to do, even when you’re supposed to be taking a break. This article explores what stresslaxing is, why it happens, and how to manage it.
What is Stresslaxing?
Stresslaxing happens when you feel stressed because you’re taking time to relax instead of working. For example, you might go to the beach to unwind but find yourself thinking about unfinished tasks at work.
Psychologist Sheena Sood explains, “Stresslaxing is feeling anxious while trying to relax. Activities meant to calm you, like walking on the beach, can actually make you more stressed.”
Research by Penn State shows that people with anxiety often struggle to relax and may feel even more anxious during relaxation attempts .
Why Does Trying to Relax Cause Stress?
Why is It Hard for Some People to Relax?
Relaxation is often seen as something you need to earn. Many people think rest is unproductive and view constant work as the only form of productivity.
Psychologist Sheena Sood explains, “People see relaxation as selfish. Questions like ‘How can a parent relax and not work for their child?’ cause self-doubt and make it hard to relax.”
Stress, depression, and anxiety also make it difficult to relax. A study in Computers in Human Behavior found that people with a fear of missing out (FOMO) resist relaxing and disconnecting from social media .
Long-Term Consequences of Stresslaxing
How to Relax Easily
Summary
While relaxation should be a time to de-stress, it often becomes a source of stress for many people. This is known as stresslaxing. It’s important to recognize that anxiety, societal pressures, and stress can make relaxation difficult. By understanding and addressing these issues, you can learn to relax more effectively.
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