Those are the names of the three steps that steal our peace or are they?  Lately,  I’ve been waking feeling anxious. This is unlike me but please don’t get me wrong, like anyone I get concerned about different aspects of life & especially for loved ones. But it’s unusual for me to go into the next steps of worry & anxiety.

I thought we would reflect upon these today as we enjoy our cuppa together, because I know these emotions often have quite an impact upon each one of us in one form or another.

Today, I’m enjoying a mug of Earl Grey with half a gf double choc muffin (I shared the other half with hubby). So grab yours, get comfy & we’ll begin…

Taking everything into consideration

As a retired Clinical Counsellor, I needed to investigate as to why this was happening as there seems to be a pattern emerging.

So I took note when this occurred & it appears that when I’m waking early & feeling anxious it’s after a vivid dream. These dreams are mostly set in experiences of the past, that were either deeply hurtful or traumatic. I’ve  also noted that I’m revisiting the anxiety of those past experiences within the dream.

But interestingly on waking my mind is not on the past but on present concerns, that at first seem totally unrelated to the dream.

Or are they?

It seems these dreams are jumping my present concern to anxiety in one full swoop! So let’s break this down & see why this is happening. And I have to ask the following question; are concern, worry & anxiety even mutually exclusive?

Concern

First of all let’s look at the dictionary definition for concern;

• relate to, or be about someone or something important 

Ah, when we break it down we see that concern is in relation to someone or something important to us.

But there’s more to this dictionary definition, concern is also;

• being worried & anxious 

In other words the dictionary definition for concern = worry = anxiety. It’s all one thing, there isn’t any differentiation between the steps.

However as a Mental Health professional, I did indeed separate concern from the other two. Why?  Because as our old Missiology lecturer used to remind us, when at Bible College, that it’s all about the dwelling upon (or nesting was the term she used) that takes it from concern to the next step of worry to the next which is anxiety.

In other words to be concerned for someone or something is just being human. But to dwell upon it, mulling it over & over in our minds is what turns it from concern to worry then once this happens it nests in our minds & becomes a source of anxiety.

Let’s see what scripture has to say on the subject;

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4: 6 NIV

The words that stand out here are prayer & petition with thanksgiving, highlighting bringing our concerns to God in prayer.

Now I had given these present concerns to the Lord as soon as I’d noticed they were beginning to dwell. So why was I having these dreams & waking anxious?

I realised it also had to do with my Cortisol levels, so while there is an emotional & spiritual aspect to these dreams, there is also a physical one.

The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)

I realised my CAR is too high (which is causing the anxiety on waking) & I also realised this has to do with a recent change in my diet. These dreams & waking with anxiety have mainly happened since eating Easter treats, thus creating an imbalance in my normal healthier diet.

What are Cortisol Awakening Responses?

Cortisol is also known as the Stress Hormone. This CAR response is the body’s way of waking us up & getting us ready for the day. It gives us a surge of Cortisol throughout out system to be able to face the days activities & have the energy to do those activities.

However, diet, interrupted sleep patterns, acute illness or chronic health conditions can impact this response by releasing too much or too little cortisol. Too much Cortisol which gives an initial increased surge can make us feel anxious or can even promote a panic attack. Ref

So in having investigated this situation, I have returned to my normal healthier diet (thus sharing the muffin with hubby & not consuming the whole one, lol). And guess what?  The dreams & the anxiety associated with them have disappeared!

The Take Away

It’s wise to investigate what may be causing a jump from concern to anxiety, especially if you have already presented your concern & requests to God in prayer.

It may be as simple as an imbalance in your diet that sends your normal Cortisol Awakening Response out of whack.

Until next time,

Jennifer

You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook

Or 

In Prayer

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