Self Help Articles
We Frighten Ourselves By What We Think
Author: Kathleen Savory
(Founder / Co-ordinator Chester-le-Street Self Help Group)
What we think affects the way we feel. Our bodies
react to our thoughts. When you think of something funny, you smile or
laugh. When you think of something sad, tears come to your eyes. When
we are daydreaming of something pleasant, your body becomes calm and
relaxed, but when fearful thoughts come into our minds, our bodies go
on the alert. Almost instantly, you're ready for action; your heart
beats faster, breathing becomes more rapid, and we feel tense,
lightheaded, dizzy, or faint.
What may have began as a single momentary thought can affect your mood
instantaneously. It is said that your reaction to a thought occurs
within 0.008th of a second. And if it's a negative thought, you're well
on your way to a full scale panic attack before you know it.
So, take notice of your thoughts. Can you see how fearful, unhappy
thoughts are negative and bring you down or make you anxious while
happy, pleasant thoughts are positive and lift you up or calm you down.
Your thoughts are more powerful than you imaging, so become aware of
the way you think.
Remember, every
thought causes a physical reaction - so practice the daydreaming more
often and hang on to those positive
thoughts.
