It’s really important to understand that finding time to unwind has become a precious commodity. Chances are high that you’re always busy having to do something daily, right? Probably loaded up with responsibilities left and right.

Honestly, we all crave those moments when we can put our feet up, breathe deeply, and let the stress of the day melt away.  Even when it’s things we need, like beauty sleep, it’s like there’s still this feeling. However, sometimes, our chosen activities for relaxation can ironically end up stressing us out even more. Ever found yourself yelling at the screen while playing a particularly challenging video game or feeling emotionally drained after watching a heavy drama? You’re not alone. So, let’s dive more into this.

The Paradox of Stressful Leisure

It’s a strange paradox, isn't it? We seek to relax, but the very activities we turn to can wind us up instead. In fact, many people find themselves gravitating towards intense video games, suspenseful TV shows, or heart-wrenching movies, thinking these will provide a break from reality. While engaging with these forms of entertainment can be thrilling, they can also keep our minds in a heightened state of stress.

So, take video games, for example. Theres that adrenaline rush from trying to beat a challenging level or the frustration of losing to an online opponent can raise your heart rate and stress levels, rather than helping you relax. While some games are designed to be soothing and meditative, others, particularly competitive or high-stakes ones, can end up being more of a mental workout than a break.

Now, sometimes it's fine to have that adrenaline rush, but only sometimes. So, if you’re inclined to play video games, why not something a little more calming and relaxing, such as Solitaire, a crossword puzzle, or even something like The Sims or Animal Crossing?

Emotional Rollercoasters Aren't Always Fun

Similarly, the content we consume through shows, books, and movies can have a significant impact on our mental state. Sure, a gripping thriller or a tear-jerking drama can be captivating, but they can also leave us feeling tense or emotionally exhausted. 

When the goal is to relax, immersing yourself in stories filled with suspense, horror, or extreme sadness might not be the best choice. Again, it’s fine to consume these, but the thing is, you shouldn’t consume these constantly, maybe from time to time instead.

So here’s a scenario to think about for just a moment; you've had a long day at work, and all you want is to chill out. Turning on a horror movie might seem like a good idea at first – after all, it’s a distraction. But those jump scares and creepy plots can spike your anxiety, making it harder for you to truly unwind. The same goes for deeply dramatic series or novels that tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling emotionally drained.

Plus, your brain processes information from what happened during the day, so consuming anything stressful could lead you to have a nightmare, and yes, nightmares are normal; having them constantly can affect your health in so many different ways.

The Subtle Stressors in Podcasts and Music

This blog post probably sounds like it’s knocking everything, right? Well, it’s certainly not meant to be intentional or anything like that. But even podcasts and music, which we often consider harmless, can have a similar effect. 

Actually, the best example would have to be true crime podcasts. Sure, they might be fascinating, but the gruesome details and tense narratives can make your mind race rather than relax (and these are real people; there are real victims who are no longer in this world due to these heinous acts they sadly fell victim to).

But to a degree, music, too, has the power to influence our emotions profoundly. While blasting some heavy metal might be fun during a workout, it’s probably not the best choice for winding down after a hectic day.

Why Non-Stressful Activities Matter

So, why is it so important to choose non-stressful activities when you're trying to relax? The answer lies in how our bodies and minds respond to stress and relaxation. Stress activates our body's fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. 

These hormones are great for dealing with immediate threats, but they can be harmful when constantly triggered. Chronic stress can lead to a host of health issues, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular problems.

On the other hand, engaging in genuinely relaxing activities helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" system. This system promotes a state of calm and helps the body repair and regenerate. When we choose activities that are truly relaxing, we're giving our bodies and minds a chance to recover from the daily grind. Now, sure, this sounds like boring stuff, but again, what you consume can affect you both physically and mentally.