Exploring Wellness for Body, Mind and Self: Transforming Worry Into Action
From Anne Meneghetti, MD, 5/11/2009 2:09:38 PM
Have you ever been on a treadmill or stationary bike and wondered, "What if all this energy and effort were put to some useful purpose?" I imagine all my physical work being transformed into electricity. In the same way, when my mind is spinning with the same worry over and over, I ask myself, "What if all this energy and effort were put to good use?" There are many reasons why it is hard to translate worry into action. In some cases, the brain is still working on an issue, trying to unlock an answer. At other times, there is fear that actually doing something about a problem somehow makes it more real,and less theoretical. In certain situations, we feel helpless to do anything at all, besides worry.
How do worry and fear affect the body? The miraculous human body includes its own emergency response system. If danger arises, the brain sends out natural chemical messages to various body parts: an alert to increase the heart rate, a signal to redirect blood flow from the stomach and intestines so more flows to muscles, a sign to raise blood sugar. All these actions and more allow us to run faster, jump higher, and flee to safety. Body functions such as sleep, digestion, and recuperation take a back seat. So what happens when those natural chemicals are flowing, but the body is sitting on a couch, not moving a muscle? It can create a subtle form of stress.
If you find yourself worrying over the same topic, ask yourself one question, "What can I do right now about this issue?" In the middle of the night, the practical answer may be, "nothing." In that case, ask what you can do at the appropriate moment the next day. Committing to a firm plan of action may be enough to reassure yourself in the moment. If a large task is too daunting, break it up into very small pieces. Any action, however small, can be surprisingly satisfying to a worried mind. If you have a choice, choose a more physical task - moving something, walking somewhere, cleaning a room. If there is nothing at all that can be done, consider moving the body anyway - a walk, a bike ride, an hour in the garden. You may be surprised how just a little motion can relax the brain and body.
Peace,
Dr. Anne
This information is purely educational and does not replace a physician's advice that may be unique to each individual. For all medical concerns, please see a physician to establish a diagnosis and explore proven treatments. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company or REAL Powered by Humana program.
