Understanding the “Microstress Effect”: Why Irritability and Snapping at Loved Ones May Be a Sign

 / 

, ,
The Microstress Effect: Easy Ways To Ease Your Mind

I had never heard of microstress until recently, but now I see it everywhere I look. I think a lot of people are struggling with microstress without even knowing it.

I know I was! Stress builds up, and it can be hard to know why. If you have been feeling irritable, tired, and overwhelmed, microstress might be the culprit. Let’s find out how!

Identifying the microstress effect

If you’ve been irritable and snapping at your friends and family, you’re probably experiencing the “microstress effect”.

6-8 hours of sleep was a non-negotiable routine and you always managed to get it done, it’s different now. Recently, you’ve been fidgeting, turning sides in bed, and eventually sleeping way past midnight or wake up feeling tired – then it is one of the microstress examples.

So, without further ado, let’s find out more about this new type of stress in our lives, so that it doesn’t affect your relationships, workspace, and self-confidence.

Microstress are stressors you do not identify as stressful events because you are habituated to them daily. Gradually, these small stressful events pile up and start affecting your life. While you wonder what is happening and why? You remain aloof from the fact that you are facing the microstress effect.

So, if you are going through the same, you can be “microstressed!”

Related: The Photos You Choose Will Tell How Stressed You Are: Quiz

Managing The Microstress Effect

microstress
Understanding The “Microstress Effect”: Why Irritability And Snapping At Loved Ones May Be A Sign

Before trying to manage it, take a quick scan of your daily life and spot the micro stress sources. Let me help you with some everyday microstress examples:

You’ve completed your morning routine, fed the dogs, turned off the lights, checked the gas oven, picked up your keys, and told your parents you’re leaving.

As you’re about to head out for work, your house help casually informs you she won’t be coming today. You drive to work worried, even though you know others at home will manage everything.

At the same time, you have got a project to do, one of your colleagues is giving short responses and avoiding phone calls.

All these are taking place concurrently hence causing mental strain. The fact that you have many things to think about may mean that minor issues will annoy you greatly.

These events are microstress examples. You do not imagine these as stressful events but as small events that have solutions but not straightforward ones.

Now, let’s discuss how to manage the microstress effect.

6 Effective Ways To Manage The Microstress Effect

Managing microstress is not easy as it comes from a different person about subjects that affect the quality of your life. You feel helpless, but you can manage it:

1. Do not entertain passive aggressiveness.

People may get passive-aggressive with you without knowing how it affects you. Do not over-explain and wait for the other person to come and ask valid questions so that you can answer. Otherwise, let people be on their own. Trust me, it is not worth it.

2. Say NO when needed

No is a complete statement. Push boundaries but respectfully. Saying no to requests that work you up, make you over-explain, and overthink is not worth your mental peace and well-being. Say no to colleagues who request you to speak up for them or adjust for them. Prioritize your well-being here.

3. Break tasks and delegate if possible.

After my house help informed me that she would not be coming, I considered it as a possibility. I make arrangements such that even if she fails to come, things will still be ok. You can take this as a “buffer plan.”  If you have cooperative family members, you can delegate short tasks to them so that all the burden does not fall on you, the same applies to your workspace.

4. Exercise regularly

A healthy mind resides in a healthy body! Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. The stress built up in your body should have a decent outlet.t instead of venting on others. Exercise helps to regulate the stress inside your body and to let it out.

Related: 5 Of The Best Stress Relief Exercises For A Calm Mind & Body  

5. Take 5-minute breaks

I take 10 minutes break instead of 5 minutes. I came across a Japanese philosophy called kaizen, and it worked for me. Taking a 5-10-minute break and maintaining 30-40 minutes of focused work increased my productivity and did not build any stress in me. I prefer reading an interesting book at that time. Reading books is an effective way to reduce stress.

microstress
Understanding The “Microstress Effect”: Why Irritability And Snapping At Loved Ones May Be A Sign

6. Positive self-talk

If you know the power of autosuggestion, you know how wonderful this may work! Invest more time reminding yourself of your capabilities and how far you have come.

Remind yourself that there are many things apart from your work and responsibilities to others, that nourish you and help you grow.

Related: Unveiling the Impact of Microstress on Mental Health: Strategies for Coping  

Final thoughts

Your curiosity about your behavioral changes is the only thing that can help you. Although a lot of people do not take themselves seriously, you can overcome any problem in life by being observant of yourself. T

o begin with, rather than giving excuses and justifications, you must face the truth head on. In case you are currently experiencing it, my wish is that this will assist you in dealing with microstress effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to deal with microstress effect?

Learn to say no, push your boundaries and avoid routine negative interactions

What is the meaning of microstress?

Microstresses are short stressful events on a daily basis that you fail to recognize as stress

What is microstress burnout?

When these little stressful events pile up, you feel drained, irritated and helpless. This is called microstress burnout.

microstress
Understanding The “Microstress Effect”: Why Irritability And Snapping At Loved Ones May Be A Sign

— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply



Up Next

Feeling Stressed? 5 Ways to Know If It’s Eustress or Distress

Eustress or Distress? signs that answers your question

Does stress have to be damaging? No. Stress can either be good or bad, known as eustress or distress respectively (the “yin” and “yang” of stress). Let us find out how to differentiate between them.

Eustress Vs Distress: Knowing The Difference

Managing stress is now a skill since it is a given in everyday life. The one who makes the best use of it can sustain better. Whether it is eustress or distress, how you respond decides its impact.

Good Stress Or Eustress Meaning

Getting a job can be stressful too, but it is the “Good Stress”. It excites you with



Up Next

“Why Do Men Never Express Emotions”? A Closer Look At Men’s Mental Health

Men's Mental Health: Where Are We At

Men’s mental health concerns are hardly brought out in the open. How often do you see men expressing their mental health struggles? Comparatively, men seek much less mental health treatment than women do.

If you look inside your family, you won’t spot a single male member who has ever expressed their emotions. Instead, you will find most males always maintaining a stoic posture, abiding by the general law of “ Manning- Up.”

In fact, men have been socially conditioned to make their mental health struggles seem invisible. Do men hide their



Up Next

10 Best Things To Do To Sleep Better At Night: Unlocking Restful Nights

Best Things To Do To Sleep Better At Night

Tossing and turning, struggling to catch those elusive Zs? We’ve all been there. We have a long day at work, come back home, have dinner and can’t wait to go to bed. But where is sleep? It just doesn’t seem to come, does it? Today, we are going to talk about some of the best things to do to sleep better, my sleep-deprived friend.

This article is going to help you incorporate some really good habits for sleeping, and a good night’s sleep won’t just be a distant wish, but a tangible reality. From soothing bedtime rituals to the secrets of a sleep-friendly environment, we’ll dive headfirst into the realm of restful nights.

So grab your comfiest pyjamas, fluff up those pillows, and explore some of the best things to do to sleep better.



Up Next

How To Be Less Nervous And More Confident? 15 Sentences To Change Your Mindset

How To Be Less Nervous And More Confident? Cool Ways

Feeling anxious and wondering how to be less nervous? Well, you’re not alone—everyone gets jittery from time to time.

But here’s the thing: nerves are just a part of being human, and there’s nothing to worry about. In fact, let me share 15 sentences that might just help if you’re thinking about how to make yourself less nervous.

You’re NOT feeling fear – it’s excitement. The tingling sensation that runs down your spine is your body’s way of telling you to get ready for what’s coming next. Instead of being scared, try and think about how thrilling this journey will be.



Up Next

8 Formidable Habits Of Stress-Resistant Minds

Habits Of Stress-Resistant Minds: Great Signs Of Resilience

We all know life can really test us sometimes, and it feels like a never-ending roller-coaster ride that’s all about deadlines, bills, responsibilities and unexpected curveballs. It’s easy to give into the stress of it all and lose our s***, but that doesn’t help, does it? Today we are going to talk about a few habits of stress-resistant minds and how you can be one of them.

Becoming the Zen master of your own mind is sometimes easier said than done, however, having a calm mind is one of the most underrated superpowers there is. People with stress resistant minds know that high levels of anxiety and reactivity will not help them deal with tricky situations.

Trying to build a resilient mindset is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your mental peace. So, are you ready to know the habits of stress-resistant minds? Let’s get started.



Up Next

Overwhelmed By Setbacks? 5 Effective Ways To Combat Crisis Fatigue And Recharge Your Spirit

Battling Burnout: How to Beat Crisis Fatigue and Thrive

Have you ever felt emotionally and mentally exhausted by the seemingly never-ending stream of crises in the world? From natural disasters and political unrest to global pandemics, it’s no wonder that many individuals experience what is known as crisis fatigue. 

Today, we will delve into the concept of crisis fatigue, explore crisis fatigue symptoms, examine its causes, and offer practical strategies to help you cope with the overwhelming toll it can take on your well-being.

What is Crisis Fatigue?

Crisis fatigue refers to the emotional and mental exhaustion t



Up Next

6 Hallmarks Of A High Strung Personality: Navigating The Taut Wire

Signs Of A High Strung Personality

Do you ever feel like you’re wound up like a tight spring? If your answer is yes, then chances are you have a high strung personality. You feel like you are on the edge all the time and only a little flick will throw you off.

Stress and anxiety are your best friends, and no matter how much you may try to relax and let go of your uptight nature, it just doesn’t seem to work. However, don’t think that there’s something wrong with you. You are a perfectly normal human being, who just feels a bit more anxious than other people (stop being too hard on yourself!)

Today, we are going to talk about what does being high strung really means, what causes high strung personality, and how to stop being high strung. Let’s first talk about what is a high strung personality.