Everyone has that one friend or family member who startles easily. It’s so funny to hear them hiss, yelp, or squeak when you jump at them from behind. Well, it’s fun for us, the teasers, but not so much for them. You can bet they’re tired being so jumpy all the time.
So, why do some people jumpier than others? Is there a way to fix that?
Your Emotional State Plays a Big Part
While being startled is a natural reaction, your emotional state plays a major role in it. People who are stressed or have anxiety, tend to get easily surprised by the smallest things because their nervousness heightens their startle reflexes.
Stress is not the only thing that can heighten one’s startle reflex. Just remember the last time you watch a horror movie. Scenes after scenes building up the tension and then a shadow quickly zoom across the screen. Naturally, you squealed and perhaps jumped out of your seat. Sometimes, life is like that too.
It’s Hardwired
For some people, being overly jumpy is already hardwired. These people’s startle reflexes are already too sensitive from the beginning. When your brain sees almost everything as something new and requires a lot of attention, then it’s going to be hard to stay composed when the unexpected happens.
“Is there a way to be NOT so jumpy?”
First, realize that being jumpy is OK. Being more jumpy than anyone else around you is also OK. Being anxious about it will do you no good.
One way to be less jumpy is to be more aware of your surroundings. If you hate it when your colleagues make pranks on you for fun in the office, try to be more aware of your immediate environment. It’s about internalizing that your office is a safe place and little unexpected things pose a low threat to your wellbeing.
Another thing you can do is to drink chamomile tea. According to a 2016 study, long-term chamomile treatment can reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. If that’s the root of your jumpiness, do make it a habit to drink chamomile tea in the morning and before going to bed.
“Is that all?”
Of course not. There are other ways you can try. For instance, if you’ve been finding life in the city to be too much these days, you can try our tips on finding peace in the city. If it’s stress buildup that makes you jumpy and unable to sleep, follow our simple tips on identifying the culprit. In short, there are many tricks that you can do to help you less jumpy once you learn why makes you jumpy in the first place.
