No matter your personality, there are many of us who are considered ‘worrier types’. Merriam Webster describes worry as mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated (1). How to stop worrying and start living!
I can certainly worry more than usual when I am under a high amount of stress, or when out of balance and ungrounded. Of course, all of us worry about things at some point in our lives, likely none of us are completely exempt, but if we begin to become a chronic worrier, it can really begin to hold us back in life.
Psych Central states that there are 13 types of worry! That causes me a bit of angst just thinking about it. The types are avoidant, dependent, passive-aggressive, compulsive, social, narcissistic, histrionic, neurotic, depressive, hypochondriac, and catastrophic, victim, and obsessive. I encourage you to read a bit more about them here.
My goal in this article is to talk about some of the symptoms that can arise both mentally and physically, cover a few tips to get out of the mindset, and lastly talk about how essential oils can help.
Chronic worrying can lead to anxiety, panic, and essentially leave your nervous system unregulated and completely on edge. Sometimes you may feel like it is an endless roller coaster that you cannot get off of. I can assure you I feel like this when stress levels rise, this is when I lean towards the catastrophic type worrier thinking. This is when everything gets assigned the same level of concern, and I go to the worst-case scenario in a situation, even though I know that logically the worst-case scenario is a fallacy.
The one thing that causes concern for our overall health, is that a chronic worrier has their fight or flight response continually activated, which will eventually create endocrine challenges.
With this, many physical symptoms can arise such as:
*Insomnia or constantly feeling unrested
*Fast heartbeat
*Dizziness
*Nausea
*Inability to concentrate
*Forgetfulness
*Muscle aches, tension, and pain
*Shortness of breath
*Trembling, twitching
*Irritability
*Feeling detached from your body
*Suppressed immune system, increased cold and flu
*Suppressed digestion and intestinal distress
There are a number of traits in our personality that can lend itself to worry, it is never just a case of deciding to stop; work must be done.
*The idea that mistakes make us weak, or that we always need to strive for perfection. Of course, we all know that perfect does not exist, but I, myself, was berated as a child for mistakes, and as an adult had to work really hard to flip the script.
*Leaning toward always needing control, or as some of you may have coined a ‘control freak’. This is when our energy reaches beyond self into others’ lives or situations. It is a case of wanting everything in life to be predictable, and not liking change. This can be linked to trauma. Learning acceptance of ‘what is’ needs to be cultivated. Try saying to yourself “I take all things in life as they come. I am happy and whole”.
*When the need for approval becomes unhealthy (this tends to affect those with low self-esteem as well as those who society calls a classic narcissist). Everyone wants to be loved and approved of on some level, but this is when it becomes unhealthy. Some may wear a mask around others, not being their true authentic self as a means to constantly receive external validation. This could also stem from trauma as a child, of being ignored, or never receiving love from their parents (one small example).
*Shout out to all of my fellow empaths. Those who worry about loved ones, worry about the state of the world, worry about the future, when hurting another’s feelings would crush you, and lastly, when you are not able to shut out the feelings and emotions of others around you……it can be exhausting if self-care is not first on your to-do list.
*This last one likely applies to all of us at one time or another. When we ignore the signs and symptoms of either physical or mental signs of stress. This is when we spend more time living in our heads than with our hearts, or fully in our bodies. If you can begin to think about things in terms of energy like Edmund Bourne Ph.D. stated in his Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, “do you sometimes feel like most of your energy is in your head, or from the neck up” (2)? A book I highly recommend, grab yours today! When stress is not managed well and you struggle to cope, worry is often the result.
The key for all of these traits is impeccable care of self. I am not talking about taking a bath every day with bath salts type of self-care, although that is definitely a bonus. In my latest book, Emotional Healing of Essential Oils, I discuss how important it is to understand exactly what we are feeling if we have any hopes of reframing our limiting beliefs.
“Suppressing or ignoring emotions is never healthy. Understanding them and learning how to work through them are essential steps in our personal growth (3).”
In the book I talk in greater detail about tools such as writing in a journal, cultivating a strong support system and asking for help via your tribe or a counselor if necessary, quieting your mind through meditation, mindfulness, and others.
Express your feelings in a healthy manner. Give your feelings a voice, it is the best first step. Once you have identified what it is that you are feeling and can begin to look at your self-limiting beliefs in the face, you can begin to challenge them.
Looking ahead in 2020, I will have an online course to do just that. Are you ready to feel more empowered, worry less about the things you have no control over and be able to enjoy every day to it’s fullest being who you are mean to be, in all of her glory? It will be epic!
In the meantime, what essential oils can you reach for? I talk in great detail about 50 essential oils and how they can be of benefit to your emotional well-being. This is applicable for all ages, as even our youth struggles. Grab your copy here today.
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
*Article contains affiliate links.
References
(1) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worry
(2) The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
(3) Emotional Healing with Essential Oils
