It’s important to note that anxiety is often natural, but too much anxiety can become a chronic problem that affects our mental wellbeing, our motivation for daily life, and our sense of balance. For example, it’s quite natural to feel anxiety before heading into a job interview, but if that feeling is so strong it prevents you from functioning, that’s a problem.
The same goes for health anxiety. Almost everyone is at least slightly scared or concerned about developing a health condition because its ramifications could be difficult to contend with. But that doesn’t mean the fear of contracting one should cripple you, nor does it mean focusing all your mental energy on this is healthy. After all, even those with intensive health conditions can still enjoy a good quality of life and retain their sense of balance despite such challenges, and so it’s good to be mindful of your thoughts.
Now, “just don’t think about it” is hardly a helpful or contributive principle. So, in this guide, we hope to provide some empathetic tips for you, especially if you’ve been struggling with health anxiety. But what does that mean in practice? Let’s consider that, below!
Speak To Someone
Ultimately, thoughts can ruminate in our minds for longer than they should, simply because we haven’t had the space to express them. It might be that you journal your thoughts to help get them out, or you speak to a counselor who understands. Both are good, but the latter especially so. Sometimes, arranging our fears into sentences can help you realize the irrational focus they might have, and allow you to connect with someone. This can help offload the concern, and that makes you feel so much better.
Undergo A Health Assessment
One of the reasons health anxiety is so easy to build is because we don’t really know what’s going on in our own bodies at any time. For that reason, having a private health assessment can be ideal from time to time, especially if you’re in your forties. If you find an issue, like your blood pressure is a little high, you can then take action to help that. Don’t make this a chronic habit unless instructed of course, but simply knowing you’re mostly fine can be a big help in soothing rational anxiety.
Focus On Other Hobbies
Restorative hobbies that help you build a sense of trust and appreciation for life can help you forget about worrying about what happens if it ends. For example, nurturing a garden is a joyous and beautiful hobby to have, and can connect you with others in the local allotment or gardening group. Filling your time with hobbies that enrich you emotionally can help you deal with the more pressing difficulties of unhelpful thought patterns. Moreover, as you’ll be so focused on nourishing life and caring for your garden, you have little space to worry about negative scenarios in the future. Sometimes, all you need is a comfortable routine to rely on.
With this advice, you’ll be much more likely to deal with the difficulties of health anxiety. If you need further help, be sure to speak to your doctor and confide in your trusted loved ones.