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Motivation's Effect On Mental And Physical Health
Dr. Isaac Schumann
Many studies have been done to research the effects of motivation
and mental health. As the implications of helping those with
negative self-esteem, depression and anxiety are immense this
is certainly an area of research that deserves a great deal
of attention.
Psychology Online reports on a study investigating the differences
between INTERNAL and EXTERNAL MOTIVATION. The report states
that "Although our society is largely extrinsically-motivated
by external rewards such as money, fame and power, research
has indicated those who are intrinsically-motivated by inner
desires for creativity, fulfillment and inner satisfaction
are psychologically healthier and happier."
How can this help you?
The study of health psychology seeks to understand how our
ability to cope with stress can help us to prevent illness
and promote health. Some of these coping mechanisms are naturally
inborn but may be taught to those who lack them. Motivation
is one of the tools that researchers are trying to use as
a combatant of negative stress reactions.
Motivation is something that we use every day. It's what enables
us to survive - to get food because we're hungry, to go to
work to pay the bills or to educate ourselves in order to
pursue a higher goal in life.
How we respond to life's demands can affect our overall health.
How are you classified?
The same report on Psychology Online identified those who
respond to life with negativity or anxiety as most likely
to deal with the physical affects of anger, guilt, nervousness,
frustration and fear. These emotions can cause hypertension
and high blood pressure which can lead to heart attack or
stroke. Other complications include ulcers, arthritis, asthma
and kidney disease.
Some therapists suggest that by using positive self-talk and
trying to restructure the WAY we look at events can offset
the physical and mental effects of dealing with negative or
stressful events in life.
Interestingly, people who tend to focus on themselves as the
controller of their fate - in fact 'self-motivated' - are
more likely to feel a sense of control when stressors affect
them. Instead of blaming something or someone else they have
the motivation to deal with a problem and look for a reasonable
solution. This positive behavior helps them to achieve goals
and find personal contentment.
Therapists try to teach patients how to emulate this positive
reaction to stress and use their motivation as a source of
empowerment. Learning to manage stress and using motivation
to set goals, work through a problem or fix it can in turn
promote better mental and physical health.
Dr. Isaac Schumann brings to you a lifetime of experience
in the mental health field http://www.depressionhelpguides.com
Article Source:
www.iSnare.com
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