People with health anxiety often focus on a particular part or function of their body. It’s a sort of a vicious circle: the more you focus, the more you notice physical sensations. These initial thoughts can trigger anxiety, in turn causing more physical sensations. This cycle is known as rumination.
If you feel like becoming too focused on a particular worry, try to redirect your attention to something else. Change your focus to some activity like the following:
- cleaning a room,
- gardening,
- doing a crossword puzzle,
- painting or drawing,
- going for a hike etc.
Regardless of the activity, the goal is to pay full attention to what you are doing. Try to practice mindfulness. For example, if you’re gardening, notice the sounds around you. Note how your spade feels as it digs into the soil. Listen to the sloshing sounds of the watering can and feel its weight in your hands. Don’t leave any space for your worrisome thoughts.
For help or advice, you can schedule an appointment with Rostyslav Shemechko at 647-866-9061 or info@shemechko.com. Free psychological assistance during the war in Ukraine is available.
Source: High Focus Centers
