Change is Hard but Fighting it is Harder II

Author:
November 20, 2020

Health Consequences

Fighting change can actually be bad for your health. When we run from change, it often means we are viewing change through the lens of fear. When you are fearful you activate the “flight or fight” response centers of the brain which release the stress hormone cortisol. Over time, prolonged existence in that state of fear, and the stress of avoiding change can have a negative impact on our well-being.

Research shows that physically we can experience an increased risk for heart attack, headaches/migraines, enhanced fatigue, sleep disorders, and muscle tension and pain. Mentally and emotionally, we can experience anxiety, depression, anger, and sorrow. We can also adopt negative behaviors and patterns such as overeating or undereating, lack of physical fitness, use of addictive substances, and social isolation (How stress affects your body and behavior, 2019).

We likely do more harm than help to ourselves when we choose to run from change. In the end, if we don’t change, we essentially die. So rather than try to stop change, it’s best that we accept it for what it is and learn the necessary skills and tools that will help us learn and grow in the midst of change. In doing so we can make the most of our time, experience progress, and keep ourselves well physically mentally, and emotionally.
References:

How stress affects your body and behavior. (2019, April 4). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987

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