Not sure? Well, our fantastic partner, Tracey Turton of Cheshire Natural Health has explored this very question for us.
As a specialist recovery practitioner, she has a wealth of experience in supporting individuals and business support employees with chronic illnesses.
People who get these conditions are usually very busy, very dynamic people. They are the A Type Personality who are often the ‘drivers’ and ‘strivers’ among us.
Does that describe you?
Overachievers, perfectionists, and over-givers are prime candidates for a breakdown of health, leading to conditions such as Chronic Fatigue, ME and Fibromyalgia. The overachiever can become addicted to work or sport or simply take on far too much. Most of us are familiar with the term ‘workaholic’ yet there is very little recognition of just how much this personality trait can affect your health.
This can also be a problem for children and young people who are studying very hard and putting themselves through a demanding schedule of extra-curricular activities. There is no time for rest and relaxation.
‘A Types’ often have control or perfectionist issues and have very high expectations of themselves. Pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion, and neglecting your own needs is a form of self -abuse. Putting everyone else’s needs before your own is the same.
Often this type of person won’t allow themselves any rest until they have helped everyone else and feel selfish or guilty if they think about their own needs. Rest is only allowed when they have achieved perfection or are completely exhausted.
This behaviour may stem from a family work ethic and is driven by feelings of not being good enough. In many cases though, it is due to taking on responsibilities too young.
Recovery can happen when we become aware of the effect that this personality trait has on us. When we are able learn that it is ok for things not to be perfect, without feeling anxiety, we are able release the hold it has on us.
If you would like to find out more from Tracey, she’ll be joining me this Friday, 20th January in our Facebook live session at 12pm in our free Facebook group. A replay will be available to all paid members on the MPC site afterwards.
You can also visit Tracey’s page on our online shop here and find out how she can help you directly.
