We are all stressed, but studies suggest that certain times of the day are more stressful than others. Knowing this is the first step to better managing stress levels and creating space for self-care while remaining productive. In this article, we look at why some times in our daily schedule are worse than others and share tips for managing them effectively. So sit down, lay out your schedule, and let’s see why this hour is the most dreaded of them all!
According to statistics from the Pilele laboratory, 4 out of 10 French people have seen their stress increase over the past three years, including 60% of women and 38% of men. The causes were broken down as follows:
- 35% from financial problems.
- 36% from professional life.
- 33% from family life.
Certainly, a British study was able to bring one of the most stressful hours.
Based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults by the UK-based company Rescue Remedy, the study suggested that 7.23am is the most stressful time of day. Participants were also asked to define the 50 causes that can trigger their stress and ruin their day. Here are the Top 10:
- Being stuck in traffic jams.
- Spill liquid on clothing.
- Dropping and breaking an object.
- Waking up late.
- Spill something on the mat.
- Burn food.
- See a pot of boiling water overflowing onto the stove.
- Tripping in public.
- Having trouble finding an available parking space.
- Arrive late for work.
It was also found that adults typically experience three stressful events a day, with women experiencing them about an hour earlier than men. The main factors contributing to these feelings of stress are exhaustion (46% of respondents), insufficient sleep (36%) and difficult working conditions (33%).
Experts point out that chronic stress has a significant negative impact on our body. When we are under prolonged stress, the natural “fight or flight” reflex is activated, resulting in an increase in adrenaline levels. This has the effect of increasing heart rate, blood pressure and the amount of cortisol in the blood. Originally, this system was intended to help us react to immediate dangers such as predators, but nowadays it tends to be under constant strain due to everyday stressors.
Therefore, many health problems can arise from this condition if not treated properly, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and a weakened immune system. Studies have also shown that long-term stress can pose serious risks to our physical well-being by leading to unhealthy increases in blood pressure and other related health issues.
How to transform this painful hour into a peaceful moment?
Adopt the Miracle Morning!
The Miracle Morning is a set of practices designed to help you wake up earlier and get the most out of your day. It is based on the principle of “intention”, that is to say that you decide in advance what you want to accomplish each day and that you actively work on it. The Miracle Morning consists of six elements: silence (meditation, prayer, or reflection), affirmations, visualizations, exercise, reading, and scribe (writing).
Each of these elements is meant to help you become more mindful and intentional about how you live your life. By using these tools in the morning, you can start your day with more focus and clarity. This will give you an increased sense of purpose throughout your day and allow you to make better decisions. Also, by making the most of your mornings – when, according to research, our brains are at their peak – you can maximize your productivity for the rest of the day.
Bet on regular sleep!
Regular sleep is an essential principle for relieving stress. Sufficient rest can improve overall physical and mental health. Studies have shown that people who don’t get enough quality sleep are more likely to feel overwhelmed and anxious, leading to higher stress levels. Additionally, a regular sleep schedule helps the body maintain its circadian rhythm, which can further reduce stress.
Adequate sleep helps restore balance to the body, allowing it to recover, regenerate and heal from the stresses of everyday life. By getting a regular 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep, your body has time to process any events that happened during the day while you were awake. This means that when you wake up in the morning after a good night’s rest, you will be better able to handle stressful situations that may arise during your day. Additionally, sleeping between 7 and 9 hours each night gives your brain time to generate new neurons and plasticity pathways that can help boost memory and cognitive performance. This improvement in mental functions allows you to remain calmer in stressful situations and to manage them more effectively.
Learn how to get rid of stress using the 4A method!
The 4A method for stress relief is a simple but effective technique that involves four steps: Awareness, Acceptance, Action and Appreciation. In the first stage, awareness, the individual must become aware of their own thoughts and feelings in order to be able to identify and recognize the sources of stress. Once he is aware of his emotions, he can move into acceptance, where he must accept his feelings without judgment or criticism.
Through this process, the person can begin to take action by implementing strategies to better manage the stressor. Finally, appreciation is about taking a moment to appreciate the progress made and acknowledge what has been achieved so far. Taking time to care for yourself and expressing gratitude for small victories can help manage negative thoughts and emotions associated with stressors. Ultimately, the 4A method empowers individuals to take an active role in managing their stress levels by helping them focus on the positives rather than ruminating on the negatives.
