Learn why joyful moments like promotions, graduations, or weddings can make us stressed not happy sometimes.
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This is all super common, and something most of us can completely empathize with.
These are generally thought of ashappymoments, but you find that nerves and anxious thoughts are taking over instead.
This reaction is totally normal.
When this happens, your body releases hormones like adrenaline that cause a cascade of physical effects.
clinical psychologist who specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and related disorders
LCSW,founder and CEO ofParenting Pathfinders.
It might be difficult to think clearly or make decisions.
These symptoms tend to decrease during the recovery phase and then return again during exhaustion.
What triggers the stress response during happy moments?
For example, youre likely to duck or cover your ears when you hear a loud noise.
Similarly, crossing the stage at graduation with everyone looking at you and taking pictures might make you jittery.
Your sympathetic nervous system might interpret this as anxiety, and trigger the release of stress hormones.
Another reason you might feel stressed during joyful occasions is due to a fear of the unknown.
Most of us like stability and predictability, Dr. Wilson says.
clinical psychologist who specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and related disorders
Still, you cant help but feel stressed because so many factors are beyond your control.
Any heightened emotions have the potential to trigger the stress response.
Its why we laugh and cry at the same time when were happy.
Fortunately, this stress reaction isnt an all-or-nothing process.
Even the social pressures to be happyand stay happyduring life changes or celebratory moments can stress us out.
We might think were supposed to feel a certain way, so any conflicting emotions could become stressors.
How can you prevent stress from ruining good times?
Dr. Wilson agrees, explaining how you could train yourself to manage stress through something calledcognitive restructuring.
In addition to reframing your thoughts, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can also be helpful.
Try taking a few deep breaths and noticing the physical and emotional symptoms you experience.
She suggests repeating to yourself a statement like: Im feeling knots in my stomach.
My palms are getting sweaty.
My body is giving me clues that its experiencing stress.
It gives you some distance from your anxious thoughts and feelings to observe whats happening in a matter-of-fact way.
Continue breathing and reminding yourself that youre not in any danger in the present moment.
Cultivating this mindset can help you savor positive experiences and reduce the impact of stress.
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