Can Un-ease Lead to Dis-ease?
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I recently wrote about insecurity in the workplace in “ The (Hidden) Cost of Insecurity: Can Un-ease Lead to Dis-ease?.” The article in HR IQ discussed financial, job, career, time, and longevity and retirement insecurity. But what about facing the more “general” fears we may have of change and taking risks, of failure and success, of having regrets when our journey comes to a close, and of not leaving a legacy or making a difference?
These concerns may appear in our quiet moments, in the middle of a particularly stressful time in our lives, or following a major life event like the death of a parent, the birth of a child, a new job, or the diagnosis of a chronic condition. Inevitably, all of us will experience periods of fear. Our brains are wired to be on the alert for danger and may generate a fight-or-flight response as a reflection of our stress, which can take a physical and mental toll. So, how do we avoid panic and paralyzing indecision, and face our fears with greater ease?
Here are some tweaking tips which may help:
- Recognize you have the fear in the first place. Seems obvious and simple, but we aren't always aware we are suffering from fear. It may manifest as headaches, low back pain, GI distress, or a rapid heartbeat. Be on the lookout for physical symptoms and ask yourself “What’s going on with me?” (and obviously seek medical attention to rule out any life threatening or serious condition).
- Honor and respect the fear. It’s a normal human emotion. It’s also a potential early warning signal that there’s something going on which merits attention.
- Once you've identified the root of the fear, perform a best - worst case scenario analysis and ask yourself:
- Is my fear warranted based on the facts or am I worrying more out of habit or even absorbing fear from others?
- What’s the worst that could happen?
- What’s the best that could happen?
Thinking through the fear and developing a plan often leads to calm and clarity. Taking the time to process the fear may also surface the realization that our fears may be based on inaccurate assumptions and perceptions that reveal we allowed our imaginations to run amok and worried needlessly.
- Take some deep breaths, consciously scan your body for areas of tightness, discomfort, and unease, and then relax each muscle group. Addressing some of the physical manifestations will help quiet the mind.
Feeling any better? Have tips of your own to share?
I’d love to hear from you!
All the best,
Colette
Recommended Reading
Eight Shifts for Wellness: Practical Transformative Steps to Enhance Health, Wellness, and Well-Being
By Mark Levin
You'll find helpful practices to enhance your personal health, wellness, and well-being and that of your family and others. You will: (1) discover at least one new concept or practice to implement immediately, (2) learn the important distinctions between health and wellness, (3) be given practical tools to improve health and wellness, (4) learn how to embody and apply the information given, (5) become acquainted with new concepts to create new possibilities in your life, (6) learn how to improve the health and wellness of your family and much more. Read more here.
Be a Healthcare Rebel Blog
 Did you know there is a FREE 12-month program available on Colette's, " Be a Healthcare Rebel" blog? The program is entitled, " The Year You Decided To Be Less Stressed." It's never too late to get started. It includes helpful information and a monthly how-to action plan for decreasing the stress in your life. You will find it here!
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