The toll of worrying
Side effects of worrying too much
So what?
You know how difficult it is to stop worrying especially if you are the type to worry often. It is difficult for people to push out their negative thinking and relieve anxiety. Despite this, doing so has the following benefits:
- Be more productive by redirecting your energy to taking action and doing things that makes a difference;
- Better view of why you worry and learn coping strategies that work for you;
- Escape from the worry trap and calm your mind by easing your worries; and
- Manage your stress and reduce your anxiety.
Below are the impact of worrying has on the elements that make up who you are.
Body
- Irregular heart rate: Increased heart rate, pounding heart and heart palpitations occur from worrying, anxiety and stress.
- Libido: Worrying can decrease your desire to be active in bed or lead to unhealthy and even harmful sexual habits.
- Pounding heart: Quicken in pace and intensity of your heartbeat.
- Upset stomach: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pains.
- Fatigue: Burnouts, trouble sleeping and tiredness.
Mind
- Panic attacks: Warmer than normal, heart palpitations, lightheadedness and chest pain.
- Sense of doom: Difficulty concentrating and feelings of impending doom.
Soul
- Depression: Loss of interest, feelings of guilt, hopelessness and social withdrawal.
- Irritability: Easily irritated, ticked off and short tempered.
My experience
I’ve experienced two panic attacks in my life. I remember them very vividly. The first time was on the bathroom floor after an argument (i.e. fight) with my wife. One minute, I was standing and found myself on the floor the next. I started hyperventilating and uncontrollably shaking. Cold sweats were running down my forehead and I was soaked in body sweat. Second time was much more “calm”. I was lying in bed, felt extreme tightness in my chest and had difficulty breathing. Whether it was calm or intense, panic attacks are not pleasant.
What now?
- Have you experienced any of the above symptoms?
- Do you know what caused them?