Have you heard of the term “stresslaxation” before? It refers to relaxation-induced anxiety and affects people, especially high performers, who have a hard time fully switching off. It strikes when they’ve finally taken time away from work and other responsibilities to engage in self-care activities – but can’t get in the headspace to actually enjoy them.
One study concluded that stresslaxation affects worriers because relaxation interrupts the act of worrying. A different theory suggests it’s an association between relaxation and lack of control. Others say it’s the result of an addiction to productivity.
The bottom line? Stresslaxation is not healthy. Trying so hard to fit in time to “relax” that it becomes yet another stressful exercise leads to, at best, what some call the Sunday scaries. At worst, it can lead to complete burnout. Here’s how you can combat stresslaxation.
Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a vital component of a healthy life. Rather than treating it as optional or an afterthought, reframe it as an essential part of your routine. Changing your mindset around rest and recognising it as a non-negotiable can help to eliminate feelings of guilt or anxiety.
Sometimes just understanding that you have a hard time getting into the mindset to relax is enough to help you overcome the feeling. Taking time to reflect on why you’re experiencing anxiety as you approach relaxation (and even writing down your observations in a journal) will help you better address the feeling and break the pattern.
Stepping away from our digital devices is undeniably powerful when it comes to switching off. Technology can keep our mind in a constant state of engagement, making it challenging to quieten our thoughts and fully embrace moments of rest. For guilt-free rest, set boundaries with your devices or go offline.
You can trick your brain into thinking you’re still being productive by choosing a calmer activity that will still give you a sense of accomplishment. This could be teaching yourself something new with a book, recipe, documentary, or website; creating something artistic from start to finish in one sitting; or completing a light stretch or walk.
Downtime doesn’t need to be physically relaxing. Often, removing yourself from your environment (especially if you work from home) and doing something active or adventurous will force your brain to take a break. You may feel more accomplished getting outside and taking a bike ride or walking a different route.
Sometimes even deciding how to relax can feel stressful. A pre-written list of your favourite calming activities will help ease the burden. By removing the need to make decisions in the moment, you free yourself to fully enjoy your downtime. Whether it’s reading a book, running a bubble bath or lighting a scented candle, creating a go-to list makes relaxation effortless.
Switching off from work can be challenging. However, prioritising rest and recharge will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to face the week ahead when Monday morning arrives.
Sources: cnn.com; insighttimer.com; hbr.org; medicalnewstoday.com; forbes.com; fastcompany.com
Bear market of 1974The severe bear market of 1974 threatened the existence of Raymond James, which was bleeding capital by the day. Tom James, his father and other leaders took extreme measures to keep the firm afloat, slashing costs, forgoing pay checks and even attempting to sell the firm for just enough capital to protect client assets and retain as many associates as possible. The story could have ended very differently if not for a sharp upturn and continued rebound in the stock markets late in the year. |
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Black MondayOn 19 October 1987, the stock markets experienced a dramatic plunge that prompted many firms to shut down their trading desks and turn off their phones to minimize internal losses. Raymond James refused to do the same. Our desks stayed open to help meet clients’ needs, resulting in our first and only unprofitable quarter since the firm went public in 1983. |
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Who was Raymond James?The Raymond in our name is actually from Edward Raymond, owner of a 15-employee mutual fund sales group, Raymond and Associates, along Florida’s west coast. He sold his company to Bob James on 15 July 1964, on condition that the surviving firm be called Raymond, James & Associates. Three days after the sale, Ed Raymond was involved in a near-fatal automobile accident and never joined the firm. Nonetheless, even after Raymond had passed away, Bob James insisted that his name remain on the door – ahead of James’ own. That was a promise he made to Ed Raymond three days before the accident, and Bob James was a man who kept his promises. |
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Taking Raymond James PublicWhen consideration was being given to taking Raymond James public, Tom James penned a letter to shareholders (largely employees at the time). ” … the public offering should be considered as a statement of our independence. While this is a psychological rather than an economic rationale, it is nonetheless very important. We have asserted for some time that we are not interested in becoming a small part of a very large corporation. That assertion results mainly from the inclinations of management rather than the economic benefits associated with either alternative. The public stock offering affords us the opportunity to enjoy a little bit of the best of both worlds. While shareholders will be given liquidity at fair market value, we will still have the ability to control our own destiny.” After 40+ years of Tom’s leadership, upon becoming CEO, Paul Reilly was often questioned about whether the company might ultimately surrender its cherished independence and be acquired by some larger entity. His response: “Not while I’m around.” It’s a theme that continues today. |
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