If you have concerns regarding your health, the important thing to remember is you are not alone. It is normal to worry about the condition of your health from time to time. However, you don’t want it to take over your life. Luckily, there are some steps that you can follow to help you ease your concerns. This article will show you how.
Do Not Google Your Symptoms
Health anxiety is something that affects thousands of people worldwide. It is known to affect 4-5% of people. If you have health anxiety, it can often feel like it is consuming your life. However, there are some things that you can do to help. One of the most important is to stop googling your symptoms. When we feel unwell, we can often turn to the internet for advice. However, you cannot rely on the internet to give you a trusted diagnosis. From typing in your symptoms, you risk increasing your stress levels and heightening your feelings of anxiety.
No matter how unwell you feel, you should never rely on the internet to give you the correct advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional. You should also avoid seeking treatment online. You could be given the wrong advice, which could have a damaging effect on your health. When it comes to diagnosis, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
Seek Advice From Trusted Healthcare Professionals
If you have noticed a recent change in how you feel and are concerned about it, it is always worth consulting with a healthcare professional. Your doctor, dietician, and optometrist can all give you expert advice on the current condition of your health and they can certainly help to put your mind at ease. They may also be able to identify a serious health problem early, therefore it can be treated a lot quicker. For some, this can be lifesaving.
If you notice a sudden change in your health, avoid ignoring it. This will only make you feel worse in the long run. Healthcare professionals are there to help you. You may find nine times out of ten you are ok. However, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Undergo Health Screenings
Often, your mind can be put at ease regarding your health if you have undergone all your routine screenings. As we grow older, both men and women are asked to take part in several regular health screenings such as MRI’s which can identify breast cancer down to eye tests. It is important that you attend these. Often, they can identify any health issues early. Not only does this mean you can work quickly to treat them, but it also increases your chances of total recovery.
If you feel like you are due a health screening, such as an MRI, then finding your closest facility couldn’t be easier with the help of organizations like Ezra. If you need an MRI in the Bay Area, they can certainly help. It is always worth doing your research regarding health screenings – so you know where to go when you need one. It can help to put your mind at ease on the day.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
You are less likely to worry about your health if you already live a healthy lifestyle. For some, this can be easier said than done. However, it is never too late to make necessary lifestyle changes that will soon benefit how you feel. The thought of regular exercise and healthy meals can sound quite dull, but it can enhance your mental and physical health. Not only will it help you to maintain a healthy weight, but it will also improve your overall self-esteem.
The key is to introduce changes gradually. If you try to change too much in one go, it can become very overwhelming, and you will find these changes are hard to stick to. Instead, start small and work your way up. For example, start with 30 minutes of exercise each day and gradually work your way up to one hour. For food, try to research different healthy recipes online. There are an abundance of them out there, and there is sure to be something that you like. Have fun in the kitchen and get creative.
Manage Intrusive Thoughts
Sometimes, when we feel slightly unwell, intrusive thoughts can start to take over. We may begin to worry that there is something seriously wrong with us when in actual fact, it is something very minor. If your intrusive thoughts ever become too overwhelming, you should speak to your healthcare professional, who will help to put your mind at ease.
There are also some things that you can do to help. Meditation is a great aid, and it can help you relax your nervous system. There are plenty of meditation classes online that you can look at for inspiration. During times of intrusive thoughts, you should also take time to talk to yourself. Tell yourself that these thoughts are not facts. It can often help you feel calmer and less fearful in the moment.
Conduct Health Checks At Home
As well as attending regular health screenings, you can also conduct health checks at home. Once you get into a routine of doing them, you can gain peace of mind knowing that you are looking out for your health. Some of the checks you can do include calculating your body mass index (BMI). This will help you determine whether you are at a healthy weight or not. You can also check your skin for any signs related to skin cancer, listen to your heart rate, check your body temperature and even check your blood pressure.
Those are just some of the health checks that you can conduct yourself. However, there are many more that you can learn about through various online resources. By taking part in these at-home health checks, you may be able to spot signs of a serious health condition early. This gives you a lot more time to treat it, and it could even save your life.