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Irritation with friends for NO RAISIN!
Doc
Registered User, ClubPA regular
Registered User, ClubPA regular
I've been under a lot of stress recently due to a big move to a different country and a bunch of work-related stuff. Almost every time just about any of my friends talk to me, I get really irritated with stuff that I'd otherwise probably not even notice. I'm reasonably good at internalizing it; I've not yet alienated anyone due to this.
Is this a normal side-effect of a shit-ton of stress? Is there a good way to minimize this issue? Things will be a lot less stressful in a week or so, but I can already tell that I am getting more snippy around people that I usually get along with.
Is this a normal side-effect of a shit-ton of stress? Is there a good way to minimize this issue? Things will be a lot less stressful in a week or so, but I can already tell that I am getting more snippy around people that I usually get along with.
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Yes, being irritable is a side effect of being over stressed.
I would take some time after your stressful situations (work days, meetings, whatever it is that stresses you out) to just breathe, and try your best to forget about it until it comes up.
Remember this: There's no sense in worrying about it when you can't do anything about it.
If you can do something to make whatever is stressing you better or go away, do it. As soon as your time is over, like your work day or whatever, then distance yourself from it. Take some time away from your problems- not only will this help you reduce your stress level considerably, but you will function better when you come back after a break.
It may be difficult for you to put things out of your mind, but if you can get yourself into the mindset of "Well yeah this is stressing me out at work, but it doesn't matter right now so I'm going to enjoy life" then even if you have trouble not thinking about things, you won't worry as much about them.
It's normal. Exercise will help, or a punching bag.
Good nights sleep helps me as well. It's normal though.
Find ways to take time out of your day to just calm down and breathe. Meditation, yoga, whatever... just take some peace time.
Things that help? Cutting out caffeine, forcible relaxation and the #1 helper I've found is to take a walk in the middle of the day. Just lock the computer, turn off your phone ringer and go outside for twenty or thirty minutes and breathe and walk around, does wonders.
A little exercise can do wonders.
What's worse is that by coping with the stress, you can often lose tolerance for other people's stress -- because you know you've "fixed" your own stress and problems, and you see theirs as simply them being lazy. This is all normal. That doesn't mean it's all great for friendships, of course, and like you've noticed, internalizing it is a pretty good way to vent a bit without ruining a friendship. My wife and I usually talk about this kind of stuff to each other, and it helps; do you have a significant other or best friend you think you could fall back on to vent a bit?
My sister, for example; when she gets stressed out she talks with people and that works for her. Talking to people when I'm already stressed makes it worse for me though.
Things that help me:
-Exercise
-Sleep, get good sleep
-Eating well. Eat vegetables and good non-starchy/sugary food.
"Comfort food" helps in the very short term, but makes things worse for me.
-Sex/Sexual Release.
-Meditation
-Listening to calm music
-Watching a funny show
-Doing something that gets your mind off whatever is stressing you out.
Keep away from:
-Alcohol
-Keep your caffeine minimized.
-In terms of dope, I know of a friend that smoked some while he was all stressed out (he's a "regular" smoker) and just freaked out really bad. Obviously it's different for everyone, but I would suggest you stay away from it, specially if you aren't familiar with it.
-Fatty and salty foods
-If you're a tobacco user, try not to smoke more then you normally would.
As a last restore, I used to have some anti-anxiety pills. Xanax I think. They help, but you need to talk to a doctor about getting some. I also won't suggest them for long term use.
But yeah, I get annoyed with my friends when I got shit on my mind, I have to take a break from them now and then.
Yep, that sounds like an excellent plan. People understand when you're stressed out, they'll cut you some slack. And just remember what you learned in kindergarten...when you're a dick to someone, apologize. People tend to forget to do that (I'm as guilty as anyone).
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Try to eat well, get enough sleep, and get some exercise to burn off the tension. Maybe hot shower or hot-tub to relax too.
If worse comes to worse, remember to punch a pillow and not a wall or person.
My new apartment will have a sauna.
Of course, a lion's share of the stress is resulting from trying to get there, heh.