How being imperfect can save your life

How being imperfect can save your life

Perfectionism ups the risk of binge eating, depression and other problems.

Constantly striving to lead a blameless life increases the risk of death very imperfect results at first. Experts in perfectionism has recently called for an Association for Psychological Science Convention in Boston to present research on perfectionism and its health effects, ranging from loss of self esteem and resistance to stress and risk death.

It may even harm to cope effectively with crisis situations. “Even if these standards are incredibly high self-imposed perfectionistic the true evil to abandon the high self-expectations of performance, or solve more realistic standards, even in times of serious emergencies requiring them to act quickly, “says Prem Fry, PhD, professor of psychology at Trinity Western University in British Columbia.

Details: At the convention, researchers specializing in behavior perfectionist shared their research, including Fry, whose recent study of seniors found a reduced rate of 51 percent in life expectancy compared perfectionists non-perfectionists. other health problems were also associated with perfectionism. Other researchers have linked perfectionism of binge eating, hoarding, anxiety, substance abuse, and increased risk of oxidative and nitrosative stress, which damage cells and inflammation, leading to a series of serious health problems.

The good news is that not all features perfectionists “means bad news. Some of the other work of Fry, published earlier this year found that perfectionists who live with type 2 diabetes tend to have better control and monitor their condition. “Compared to non-perfectionists, they followed the treatment in greater depth and, therefore, lived a healthier life and more.”

What this means: Fry notes that once the drive for perfectionism is gained, it is not easy to kick. It is also important to note that while perfectionism is limited to one or two areas of your daily tasks, it could provide positive effects on self-esteem and self-esteem, says Fry. “However, it is deadly to aspire to be perfect in all areas of its operation,” she said. The key is to delegate responsibility to others for minor tasks that take a long time. Here’s how to ID and help a perfectionist:

Know the types and signs.

True perfectionists are generally still not satisfied with the performance. Fry said the following signs are frequently observed in children of perfectionism, men and women:

  1. Shows the excessive focus on small daily tasks
  2. Concerns about the approval of others
  3. Fair request for an extension of time
  4. Worries too much to be a disappointment for others
  5. Over time, the feature can be identified by excessive levels of anxiety, depression and feelings of failure (even if the person is talented and competent).

Other types of perfectionism include “socially prescribed perfectionists,” Fry said people who carry around the notion that others expect them to be perfect and excel. Parents can instill that in children and young adults, and expectations of bosses can make to this form of perfectionism in adults.

“Perfectionists Other-oriented” have high expectations not only for themselves, they generally expect the same from others, too. “Those who subscribe to all three characteristics of thought perfectionists are in a permanent state stress. In such cases, perfectionism can lead to many stress-induced physical problems and sometimes to other mental health problems such as depression, loss of appetite, headaches, anxiety, social alcoholism, and increased risk of overall psychopathology, including suicidal motivation, “said Fry. To limit your perfectionist tendencies:

Setting Boundaries

Although Fry notes that the side of perfectionism involves positive qualities as being more conscientious, diligent, responsible, and accountable, it also warns that perfectionists need to set limits. “Rigid perfectionist expectations of others are likely to turn against productivity own perfectionist and could very likely inhibit the productivity of others under their control and surveillance,” she said, indicating that people with this problem to learn to set limits, and select one or two areas where they are perfectionists. For example, while it is good for bridge engineers and surgeons to engage in perfectionism at work to keep people safe, these same people have no need to seek perfection when folding laundry or playing in a charity softball tournament.

Seek CBT

Although perfectionism is a trait that is hard to shake, researchers have found hope in a type of counseling called cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which a therapist will focus on how your thoughts, and not forces External affect your condition. Depression or anxiety medicine can be prescribed in more severe cases, but you can try natural remedies, such as stress reduction based on consciousness, before moving on to pills.

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