Anxious About Your Health? Try These Tips
By Paul Rothbart
It's hard to avoid anxiety. There are just so many things to worry about. Your family, your job, your home. Perhaps you are concerned about the big things such as things that happen in government, environmental issues, and world peace. It can be a scary world. Many people experience anxiety about their health. They wonder what those headaches mean or if their aching shoulder something serious. Health is a legitimate concern. But anxiety is often exacerbated by perceptions that do not reflect reality. Here are some ways to manage anxiety about your health.
Use Relaxation Methods
Relaxation is an effective way to manage any kind of anxiety. Try meditating each morning before starting your day. Just 10 minutes of clearing your mind can relieve stress and help you focus on the positives. Deep breathing is another technique that can reduce anxiety levels. Breathing can also help you feel physically better which gets to the source of the anxiety. A hot bath can also be soothing and lessen stress. If you feel up to it, many people find yoga a good way to deal with anxiety. It will also improve your health.
Do Not Self-Diagnose
Modern technology puts nearly unlimited information at your fingertips. There are numerous medical sites brimming with articles on every health issue imaginable. It can be tempting to diagnose yourself using the internet, but it is a bad idea. There are plenty of reputable sites with accurate information. The problem is you. Doctors spend a lot of time in school and training. You probably have not. People tend to look up their symptoms and conclude they have the rare, incurable disease. Most symptoms can be indicative of many things. A doctor knows what is most likely. Do yourself a favor. Don't be your own doctor. It can increase your anxiety.
See a Doctor
If you have pain or symptoms of illness, go to a pro. That's why you have a doctor. People often fear that they may have something serious and don't want to know. Ignorance of a disease doesn't make it go away. See a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. It will most likely be something curable which will ease your anxiety. If it is more serious, you are better off knowing what your treatment options are.
Being anxious about your health occasionally is natural. You don't have to let it overwhelm you. Follow these tips to manage health anxiety and use that energy for something positive.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor in River Edge, N.J.