Skip to main content

Health Anxiety and Solutions

It's always important to take care of oneself using all the principles of good health. Regular check-ups, proper nutrition and healthful living all enable one to keep on top of their health in a careful yet reasonable way. Often one becomes overly concerned with health issues and caught up in a cycle of health worries. One health issue is reconciled when another immediately pops up to take its place. These worries become all encompassing and exhausting after a while.

Eventually, the individual realizes that this cycle of health anxieties has intruded upon the quality of their life. A dark cloud, always hovering over daily living, this intrusive form of anxiety has to be addressed. One begins by determining why this is occurring, what purpose does it serve and how to interrupt this behavior.


Reason for Health Anxiety


Health worries actually serve a purpose and this purpose is not difficult to detect if one looks deep enough into this pattern of behavior. Often this pattern involves the brain distracting from specific emotions which the individual finds difficult to address.

Many emotions are so overwhelming, such as anger, grief or fear, that the brain looks for ways to distract. Health worries fit the bill because when one worries intensely about their health, there is little room to address an upsetting emotion.

Health worries blanket every other thought and this WORKS. This is the perfect distraction from unsettling emotions. When one worry is reconciled, another takes it place to veil the unaddressed emotion. Each health worry has a strong purpose, as it masks the true upsetting emotion, which is much more difficult to face in the long run.

Solution


- Recognition and acknowledgment of the Health Anxiety habit, one worry quickly following another in a noticeable loop that never ends. Awareness of this cycle is always the first step to reconciliation of the issue.

- Determining if this health worry is a true physical problem by visiting one's primary physician and ruling out a definite physical cause for the difficulty. Always rule out a physical cause before assuming it is merely health anxiety.

- Noticing that these health worries settle down when you become intensely interested in another topic or swept into a new relationship, job or cause.

- Identify your patterns. Do you experience twinges of symptoms that often jump from one area of the body to another? Do you find yourself overestimating physical intrusions and instantly jump to the conclusion that they signify danger or warrant the attention of an alert?

- Find interests that involve your entire being. Lose yourself in things that allow you little time for inward thinking. True illness does not surface through boredom as do these behaviors. True health problems do not generally follow the same time table as health anxieties do. Health worries are stronger during times of boredom and when one lacks interests. An intelligent mind requires challenges and goals.

- Activity is an important therapeutic tool against health worries. Exercise and movement invigorate and stimulate the mind and body in a positive way. Endorphins are released and Serotonin levels are boosted naturally when activity is a part of a daily routine. Moderate walking, jogging, tennis, swimming and dancing are all helpful activities that bring forth positive results.

- Nutrition is also essential to good health which in itself helps eliminate the strong habit of negative thinking, often concerning health worries. When eating properly, Serotonin levels are naturally boosted and blood sugar levels remain stable. This helps settle down an over-reactive mind, leading to a lessening in health anxieties.

- Talk back to the brain by firmly telling it to stop when health worries enter the mind. Shift into a more positive mode of thinking because you always have a choice in what you think about.

The mind will respond by quieting down as negative thoughts subside. The brain, caught red handed in this behavior is instantly embarrassed causing it to suspend this cycle of negative thought. This is comparative to a child being caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Embarrassment at being caught, stops this intrusive behavior.

- Be aware of "what if" thinking. If the majority of sentences you think begin with "what if" then this is proof of a strong health anxiety habit. Change "what if" thinking to "so what" and watch the cycle break.

Most of all, understand that worry solves nothing. Health worries, in particular will only serve to exhaust and deplete both mind and body. Consciously make a concerted effort to change the way you think and you will succeed in changing your life. You will go from self victimization to freedom from the intrusive habit of fearful worry.

You always have a choice. Life can be wonderful and fulfilling when you learn to alter your perspective and chose a more positive point of view. You always have a choice. Never define yourself by your habit of worried thinking. Do not be victimized by health anxiety and fear. With a few simple corrections, especially in thinking, you will find your life changes from being difficult and upsetting to becoming easier and much more fulfilling on a daily basis.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Experience: my yoga class turned out to be a cult

I was 22 when I moved to a different US city and needed a new yoga studio. I discovered a place that believed in eastern mysticism – perfect for an open-minded spiritualist, which was how I saw myself at the time. I walked in and a young woman was very excited to see me. She paid attention to my every word, making me feel cared about. I then met with a “master”, who informed me I was in very poor energetic health and needed to sign up right away. The classes were quirky. We’d do 40 minutes of exercise and meditation to a mix of new age flute music and Michael Jackson. It was far less pretentious than the yoga studios I had visited before. I decided to join for the haggled price of $100 (£79) a month. During my second class, the teacher gave me a healing massage, rubbing my chest with both hands. I started to cry. A friend had killed herself a few weeks before and I was probably more emotionally raw than I realised. As I got better at yoga, the masters told me I had potential. Wit...

Healthy Dinner Tips: What to Keep in Mind for a Nutritious Evening Meal

After a long day, dinner is often the time when we look for comfort and convenience. But it's also important to make sure that the meal you have in the evening is not just satisfying, but also nourishing. A healthy dinner helps maintain energy levels, aids in digestion, and can contribute to better sleep and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you create a balanced and healthy dinner. 1. Balance Your Macronutrients A healthy dinner should ideally include a mix of macronutrients: protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Protein is important for muscle repair and immune function, healthy fats support brain health, and carbohydrates provide energy. A well-balanced meal might include grilled chicken (protein), quinoa (carb), and a side of avocado or olive oil (healthy fat). This combination will keep you feeling full longer and provide essential nutrients your body needs to recover from the day. 2. Choose Whole Grains Over Refined Carbs When it comes to carbohydrates, whole...

How to Stay Healthy While Working a Desk Job

Let's face it — modern work life often means long hours at a desk, back-to-back meetings, endless emails, and too little movement. It might seem like a "safe" routine, but over time, this sedentary lifestyle can contribute to back pain, low energy, poor posture, weight gain, and even mental burnout. The good news? You don't need a total life overhaul to stay healthy. You just need smart, realistic habits that fit your routine. Here's how to keep your body and mind in check — even while staying at your desk. 1. Move Every Hour (Even for 2 Minutes) Sitting for too long slows down circulation, tightens your hips, and stresses your lower back. Set a reminder every hour to get up and move — walk to the kitchen, do some arm circles, or stretch your hamstrings. Even two minutes of movement can help prevent stiffness, boost energy, and improve your mood. 👉 Pro tip: Use a standing desk or switch between sitting and standing if possible. Alternate postures = happy spine. 2...