WHAT IS HEALTH ANXIETY?

Never in my life have I heard the term “health anxiety” like I am doing right now.  Anxiety is a real-life issue that is totally exhausting, for those that suffer from it. If you add on feeling anxious about your health on top of that, it’s just a recipe for a pretty stressful life. Ouch!

What is health anxiety?

This is when you feel anxious that something is wrong, or you are going to get something wrong with your physical health!

This means that every single pain that you have, every single flutter of the heart, every unusual body movement, and that’s it, you can only focus on that and then you’ll go down the rabbit hole of wondering what the hell is going on.

The next step is self-diagnosis….you know good old doctor Google! I know you’ve done it, I think we all have at some point in our lives. In the next moment you’ve diagnosed yourself with having a heart condition, MS or Lupus, even Brain Cancer or something equally as tragic!

 What happens next?

Over time, as this internal conflict grows and develops you will literally be held to ransom by your pesky intrusive thoughts and they simply won’t leave you alone!

What you may or may not realise is, is that stress in your body is created from these very thoughts and the stress chemicals actually cause the symptoms which you are dreading. A totally destructive cycle for those that suffer with this issue.  Each unhelpful though that you have will create a chemical response in that awesome body of yours, what chemical response do you want to create? The stress hormones; Cortisol and adrenalin? Hmmm I don’t think so…

That will just make you feel worse and get your heart rate flying off the scale, and the next thing is, you’ll convince yourself that you’re having a heart attack! 

So, what do you want instead? To feel calmer? More in control? More relaxed? Like you’ve got a handle on life? That you have a promising future to look forward to? Below are a few tips to help you to get on that journey!

 So here is what to do…

 I am going to share some tips to help you to manage these thoughts and feelings;

•  First thing is first; Turn off the news, in fact turn off the TV. It is never going to make you feel better in any which way. Be careful what your mind is absorbing. Watch funny, uplifting things on the TV, listen to great podcasts or read a book!
• You have got to start breathing consciously and completely…place your right hand on your belly and your left hand on top of your chest. Bring your breath down into your right hand – do not move your left hand at all so you need to keep your chest still.
• Keep your mind stead – easier said than done… I know, but when your mind gets distracted bring your awareness back to the breath, it will take time to hone this new skill but I promise you will crack it. Take your internal gaze all the way down your body, just become more aware of how it is to simply BE in your body temple! Honour it!
• The 5 best affirmations for YOU… write them down, pin them on your wall, look at them as often as possible and really feel them

I trust my physical self, more and more everyday

My immune system works well to support me

I Love and approve of myself, today even more than I did yesterday

I let go of all things that no longer serve me

Inner peace is what I choose right now!

• Write a daily gratitude list for all the health that you do have. Write passionately, fill the page, if you can breathe, be grateful. If you can walk, be grateful. If you are able to eat, be grateful. Even be grateful for the things that haven’t appeared yet, all the good stuff that you are wanting in your life!
• Guided Meditation – I have a great one on my You Tube channel that is perfect for mind body connection. There are tons of others that you can listen to from You Tube and there are various apps that you can download too. You have to do this daily, retrain your brain!
• Remember everything is temporary. This doesn’t have to be for life. You can heal. You have the power! Life is good

I really wish you well on your journey.

If you want some help or guidance feel free to get in touch.

love and light

Adele-Marie x