Nervousness and tension

If we notice that even ordinary daily situations such as waiting in line, crowding the elevator or going to the dentist disturb us, it means that it is time to look for a solution or even some natural remedy for nervousness and tension.

Inner turmoil

I remember one year, a long time ago in my life, when after a very stressful period I went on a long-awaited vacation.

At that time, I ran a small company that was engaged in the production of textiles. Production in itself is very complex, and when family responsibilities are added to that, the house we built with two small children at the time is a complete picture of a demanding and stressful life.

We chose a small fairy-tale Greek island for vacation that summer.

I remember my surprise when I realized on the first day that my mind did not believe my eyes. Even though I was in the middle of a "little paradise", without a computer and with my phone turned off, my brain didn't turn off. I got up and went to bed with stomach cramps and a feeling of nervousness that didn't stop. For no reason. No reason.

That was the moment in which I became aware of the fact that the circumstances somehow got out of control, and that somehow, imperceptibly, I lost my peace and stability. I realized that I can't "switch off". I lost, I lost, even the ability I had until then - to return to balance when I "fall out" of it.

Fortunately, that was also the moment when I firmly decided that this is not the life I want for myself, nor the price I am ready to pay. I decided not to let nervousness, tension or constant inner turmoil become my second nature.

How do we get constant nervousness and tension?

It sometimes happens that after stressful periods, returning to the normal state is a difficult task. In sensitive or emotional people who have a low stress sensitivity threshold, sometimes even the smallest trigger can cause a violent reaction.

Situations such as: changing jobs, moving, changing living conditions, financial problems or losing a loved one can present challenges that are almost impossible to overcome if the person is already tense or anxious.

However, even in those who are emotionally and mentally very stable, changed life circumstances or prolonged exposure to acute stress can cause increased nervousness.

Indirectly, constant nervousness and tension can also significantly impair one's sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. A person going through an anxiety episode may experience a declining sense of self-esteem when they notice that their ability to perform daily activities is significantly reduced.

Stress

Our reaction to stress is conditioned by our threshold of sensitivity of the nervous system.

When life circumstances are such that they bring stress, anxiety and even excitement associated with positive events, the so-called "fight or flight" mechanism is activated.

In response to the situation we are in, the sympathetic nervous system is activated: the heart rate increases, breathing changes, muscles spasm, blood circulation and biochemistry change, and endocrine glands begin to work differently, preparing the conditions for an appropriate response to the challenge. which we face. If we already have a condition characterized by increased nervousness or tension, additional stress can only cause a strong and violent reaction, a real overflowing with inner restlessness.

If life is filled with constant stress, the sympathetic nervous system can also become constantly active, which creates an inner tension that no longer has to be appropriate to real circumstances.

A vicious circle of nervousness and tension

The energy that is triggered in response to stress must be "discharged" after the end of the situation in which we are in, in order for the system to return to a stable state. If this does not happen, nervousness and tension will arise.

Also, if the stimulation of the nervous system and the stress reaction become a constant phenomenon, the energy reservoirs will be emptied over time, which can lead the organism to a state of fatigue and exhaustion - internal combustion (burn out). As a result, fatigue and exhaustion become a reason for additional worry, which activates the stress response again, thus forming a vicious circle.

The only permanent solution is to find a way out of this vicious circle.

How to reduce nervousness?

Of course, it is best if it is possible to change the circumstances that disturb us.

But for many people, a change in life circumstances that would lead to relief is not an option.

What is an option for everyone is - changing the reaction to stress, nervousness and tension.

A cure for nervousness and tension

Constant nervousness and tension require the application of "special measures", and the most important are the following four steps.

1. First step - recognition

Mindfulness provides very good methods for recognizing internal changes. Mindfulness is a program for the development of conscious attention that has been applied worldwide in recent decades as a response to new conditions and challenges of life. Mindfulness program  is a way to use very simple exercises in everyday life to notice changes that can lead us to a state of restlessness and stress.

2. Second step - understanding

A mindfulness program also brings a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the mind, through paying attention to the subtle signals that the body and mind send.

Mindfulness uses modern research (Neuroscience) as well as ancient, centuries-old, and time-tested practices of self-development.

3. The third step - change

Through work with the contents of the mind and through work with emotions, a "new way" is built and introduced, new habits are introduced that make everyday life easier.

Through simple mental training, using exercises that can last only 15-20 minutes a day (if we don't have more time), a new, more stable internal environment is established.

You can find some of the simple Mindfulness techniques in the category soon Mindfulness on our blog.

 4. The fourth step - strengthening stability

Perhaps the new life skill that we all need to master is precisely the skill of adapting to new, accelerated, competitive, changing life conditions.

When we learn how to break the vicious cycle of nervousness and tension, we may find that the quality of our life experience changes as well.

We may notice that we don't need perfect life circumstances to be content, but we do need a stable mind to be happy and fulfilled, regardless of the challenges we face.