We live in a stressful world where everyone is always on the move. We tend to push ourselves beyond our limits, and this leads to stress and anxiety.

Sometimes, the solution to stress is simple; all you need to do is avoid certain activities that spike your anxiety levels. In this article, we will explore 6 movements to avoid to help you find calmness and relaxation.

1. Tensing Your Shoulders

When you tense up your shoulders too often, you are more likely to develop neck and shoulder pain, which may trigger headaches and migraines. The tension can also lead to pinched nerves, which can cause numbness and tingling in your arms and hands.

To avoid tensing your shoulders, stretch your entire arm regularly and massage your neck and shoulders. If possible, avoid carrying heavy bags on your shoulder, as this can worsen your pain.

2. Sitting in the Same Position for Hours

Sitting in the same position for hours can lead to back problems and poor posture. This can lead to tension headaches as well. Whenever you sit down, make sure you sit straight and take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and improve circulation.

You can also invest in a chair with lumbar support for good posture.

3. Clenching Your Jaw

Clenching your jaw can become a subconscious habit when one feels anxious or stressed. This leads to pain, tension headaches, and even tooth damage with continued jaw clenching.

When you find yourself clenching your jaw, try to relax your jaw muscles by placing your tongue behind your front teeth, throat and neck stretches, and consciously be mindful of your jaw when tense.

4. Staring at Your Device for Too Long

Staring at your device for too long can strain your eyes and lead to dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. It can also lead to neck pain and poor posture.

Try to take frequent breaks to look away from your device to give your eyes a break, and use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes of staring at a screen, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.

5. Skipping Meals

Skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar levels, and this can cause anxiety, irritability, and brain fog. The stress on your body leads to the production of cortisol hormones in response to the perceived stress.

This can compound the anxious mood you experience when low on energy. So, make sure you eat regular, balanced meals to keep your blood sugar stable and your mood even.

6. Skipping Sleep

In our fast-paced world, we often forget to give our bodies the rest they need. Skipping sleep can lead to anxiety, poor concentration, fatigue, and a lack of productivity. Ensure that you get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

It is also essential to practice a consistent bedtime routine that allows the mind and body to unwind and relax before bedtime.

Conclusion

Our bodies and minds require rest, nutrients, and exercise to function optimally. Activities that lead to tension and stress should be avoided whenever possible.

By avoiding the six movements discussed above, you can reduce anxiety, stress, and the physical and mental toll they take on you. Remember to strive for a healthy balance of rest, exercise, and healthy nutrition to live life optimally.