There’s a certain price to pay when you don’t properly switch off. In today’s world, where stress is at an all-time high, that price is in most cases health-related. Here’s how it affects the body when we’re constantly alert, and what we can do to address it.
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You get home from work, sit on the couch watching TV or scrolling on your phone. But if your mind is still running through tomorrow’s tasks, replaying conversations, or you’re worried about what still needs to get done, your body is not in true rest. Your nervous system is in a constant state of alertness and it has certain effects on the body.
Your stress response stays switched on
All the talk you may have heard about ‘cortisol’? It’s not without reason. When you’re constantly busy, your body produces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. When you’re in genuine danger, these hormones are great because you’ll need to deal with the threat. But staying in a prolonged state of stress will leave you feeling tense, restless and mentally exhausted.
You may notice physical signs such as:
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Digestive discomfort
- A racing heart
Over time, chronic stress is likely to affect sleep, mood and overall well-being.
Your sleep can suffer
We need to be able to switch of completely to prepare our bodies for sleep. It’s also not just about the hours we get in, but the quality. If you’re worrying about tomorrow, answering emails or consuming stimulation content in the evenings, your brain might struggle to transition to a more restful state.
This makes it harder to fall asleep, and even when you do, you might not feel rested by morning.
You feel tired, but wired
Never really switching off can leave you feeling so exhausted while simultaneously struggling to relax. Your body can become so accustomed to constant stimulation, that when you’re finally still, it feels uncomfortable rather than restorative.
Ways you can properly switch off
Begin by creating a clear boundary between you day and evening. Have a set sleep time and give yourself 30 to 60 minutes without work, chores or other demands before bed.
Try a low-stimulation activity like reading, taking a shower or listening to calming music. If your thoughts are racing, write down tomorrow’s tasks or worries so that you don’t have to mull them over in your mind.
Remember that rest doesn’t have to be productive. Pockets of time where there’s nothing to do are perfectly okay. You don’t have to fill each quiet minute with organising, scrolling or achieving something. Simply allow yourself to be still.
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Featured image: Pexels
