How to release the pressure?
Finally give yourself a break from the stress you put on yourself.
Understanding the Difference Between High Performance and Perfectionism
Do you ever feel like nothing is ever enough , no matter how hard you try or how much you achieve? Many of us unconsciously put constant pressure on ourselves to be perfect, productive, and flawless . This perfectionism often ends up draining us, both emotionally and physically.
Learning to let go of this excessive demand gives you the opportunity to live more peacefully . The key is first to recognize when this pressure becomes counterproductive.
High performance vs. perfectionism
There is a fundamental difference between striving for excellence and striving for perfection .
A hard worker seeks to do his best, to progress, while a perfectionist believes he must achieve absolute perfection or fail.
This need for perfection is not an asset: it is often a form of self-sabotage .
In reality, doing your best is much better than striving for perfection —it's healthier, more motivating, and in the long run, more effective.
If you tend to:
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Constantly thinking about your mistakes,
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Focus on what is missing rather than on your successes,
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Feeling tense when everything isn't perfect,
…then you probably have a perfectionist profile. The good news? You can change this dynamic for a more compassionate approach to yourself.
👉 According to a scientific study on perfectionism and mental health , some forms of perfectionism significantly increase stress , anxiety and the risk of burnout .
Finding the Balance Between Hard Work and Type A Behavior
Being hardworking is a quality, especially when it brings you real satisfaction .
But when this need for success becomes excessive, we speak of Type A behavior — a lifestyle where performance takes precedence over health .
Type A people are often passionate and ambitious, but they are more likely to:
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Suffer from chronic stress ,
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Encounter health problems ,
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Having strained relationships because of their demands.
A complete personality change isn't necessary. The goal is to smooth out the rough edges , rebalance your priorities , and learn to slow down .
Some tips to calm your competitive spirit:
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Set realistic and measurable goals .
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Celebrate your small victories instead of just aiming for the top.
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Incorporate moments of conscious relaxation into your days.
💤 Wellness tip: to accompany your relaxation breaks, try the ultra-soft flannel blanket — perfect for releasing tension after a busy day.
Lead a Balanced Life
A full life is stimulating, but too much activity without balance can quickly lead to burnout .
To recognize the signs of an imbalance, ask yourself:
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Do you feel exhausted in the evening ?
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Are you having trouble enjoying your weekends ?
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Do you lack time to take care of yourself ?
The pillars of a balanced daily life:
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Exercise regularly , even just a few minutes a day.
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Get enough sleep to recharge your mental energy.
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Maintain your relationships with your loved ones.
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Take time for yourself , without guilt.
Remember: personal well-being is an essential condition for success .
Without rest and pleasure, even the greatest goals become unattainable.
Think Like an Optimist
Many people fear "positivity," believing it involves ignoring problems . In reality, realistic positive thinking involves seeing things from a constructive perspective while remaining clear-headed.
Realistic optimism helps you:
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Focus your energy on what you can improve ,
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Maintain a confident mindset ,
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Managing failures as learning opportunities .
Cultivating an optimistic mindset doesn't mean denying difficulties, but choosing to focus on solutions rather than obstacles.
Welcoming Your Emotions to Move Forward Better
We often hear that we shouldn't repress our emotions . And it's true: ignoring or denying them can increase stress and lead to emotional exhaustion .
But conversely, constantly ruminating on negative thoughts is no more beneficial.
Balance lies in emotional awareness : recognizing what you feel, understanding why, and then consciously choosing to move forward .
Some techniques to release emotional pressure:
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Write in a journal to express how you feel.
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Talk to someone you trust to put your thoughts into words.
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Consult a therapist if certain emotions become too heavy to manage.
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Practice restorative activities : walking, meditation, reading, music, etc.
💆♀️ To relax your body at the same time as your mind, a mini portable relaxing massager can help you release physical tension related to stress.
The goal is not to suppress unpleasant emotions , but to move through them and emerge more peaceful .
By giving space to your feelings, you reduce inner tension and promote your psychological well-being .
Accepting Your Weaknesses (and Those of Others)
One of the most effective ways to reduce the pressure you put on yourself is to learn to accept your imperfections .
We all have limitations, and that's what makes us human.
Similarly, granting this tolerance to others can transform your relationships and lighten your emotional load.
Some keys to cultivating kindness:
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Don't take everything personally : Most of the time, other people's reactions don't directly concern you.
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Let go of resentment : Holding grudges only prolongs stress.
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Try to understand before judging : taking another's perspective fosters compassion.
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Forgive yourself for your past mistakes —they are part of your growth journey.
A particularly effective method for developing this attitude is loving-kindness meditation .
It consists of sending thoughts of peace and compassion towards oneself, then towards others.
This practice helps to calm the mind , strengthen empathy and reduce internal tensions.
Key Points to Remember
Learning to stop putting pressure on yourself is not an immediate process. It takes time , patience , and a real desire to change your relationship with yourself .
You can start small:
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Accept that you can't control everything.
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Allow yourself to slow down without guilt.
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Celebrate your progress rather than perfection.
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Give yourself permission to live at your own pace.
Often, the fear of letting go comes from the belief that everything will collapse if we stop pushing.
But in reality, it is by relaxing a little that we find balance, creativity and serenity .
And if despite your efforts you feel that the pressure remains too strong , do not hesitate to ask for professional help .
A psychologist or therapist can guide you toward concrete tools to manage stress , overcome perfectionism and regain confidence .
In Summary
Stop putting too much pressure on yourself:
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Replace the quest for perfection with the search for balance ,
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Learn to listen and accept your emotions ,
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Show kindness to yourself and others ,
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Cultivate realistic optimism ,
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And above all, give yourself the right to be human .
The relief this approach provides is immense: less stress , more energy , better mental health and true inner peace.
