The Remarkable Pros of Anxiety

Anxiety often has often been associated with

negative consequences, such as heart disease and gastrointestinal problems. This, in fact is true. Elevated stress levels do make an individual vulnerable to a variety of deadly diseases. However, people who are habitually anxious may also possess valuable traits, owning to their extreme intensity of anxiety.

Anxiety, in the neurological level, is caused by enhanced dopamine in the basal ganglia of the brain. This may also lead to intense motivation. So in other words, highly neurotic individuals often possess high levels of motivation, or an intense drive to make a difference. It has been found that CEOs of organizations also have enhanced activity in the basal ganglia, and are said to be more anxious than the average. This is the reason why they tend to work long hours. The weekends are usually the most difficult for them, and make them feel restless and agitated. Taking breaks is not easy for them. Their excess energy, in the form of anxiety, doesn’t allow them to rest. Relaxation is just not in their dictionary!

Likewise, workaholics in general have increased basal ganglia activity. Along with them, many of society’s go-getters, the ones that make an impact, are those with stimulated basal ganglia levels. Hence innovation and progress we see in today’s world is largely because of people whose major personality trait consisted of anxiety.

Nevertheless, this emotion can be overwhelming at times, and can be lessened to a great extent if it goes out of hand. Several practices have known to ease anxiety, such as deep breathing. Feelings of apprehension lower the oxygen in the brain, which initiates panic. Deep breathing provides the brain with the oxygen it needs. Hence, this make one feel considerably more relaxed. Writing down thoughts, or keeping a diary, has also proven to make an anxious individual feel calmer.