Are you more prone to be plagued by worries?
Everybody gets worried at one time or another. However, if it persists over a longer period of time it can affect our physical and mental health.
Ann McCracken, a Stress Management Consultant, explains why a certain type of person is more prone to worry, and what to do when worry becomes a problem.
Ann explains that a person with a certain personality may be more likely to experience worry than others: ‘Psychologists like to put people in boxes and there is a type A and a type B box and although most people are a little bit of one and more of the other, the type A’s, part of their personality is to worry more.’ Typically, this Type A person will pay greater attention to detail, which might border on perfectionism. This approach makes them more liable to experience persistent worries and be exposed to higher levels of stress.
Ann McCracken highlights the danger of dwelling in this way: ‘Being concerned is natural,' says Anne, but worry is not healthy. It can have a 'continual nagging affect on the body which will de-energise it and the outcome is stress.’ Worry can also stimulate our natural Fight or Flight response as ’it encourages us to take action in one way or another.’ Although effective in the short term, this can be damaging if it continues.
So, how to deal with worries? Ann suggests that understanding our own thinking patterns is vital, ‘we can wind ourselves up by the way we think and being aware of our thinking patterns is key in developing resilience and better health.’ Talking about our worries and writing them down is also effective, as this can encourage us to take a more rational approach to things. Finally, if you're worried it is important to make sure you take time out to relax, maintain a healthy diet and get regular exercise.
Related Links
www.nationalstressawarenessday.co.uk
