What-if-itis

What-if-itis

If you are anything like me, that what-if narrative can kick in before I have even got out of bed in the morning, undermining my intentions for the day. Rarely, if ever, are what-ifs used in a positive way. For example, yesterday I had planned to go swimming but was feeling very tired and just the tiniest bit under the weather.

What if I am developing flu?

What if going swimming makes me feel even more tired today?

What if the pool is really cold?

What if I irritate other swimmers as I am so slow?

In asking this repetitive hypothetical question, we are exploring the possible negative consequences of a chosen behaviour. In doing so, I wonder how useful this strategy is, and what impact it has on our wellbeing?

What would it be like to flip this round into a positive what-if?

What if swimming were to make me feel more energized?

What if I am glad the pool is cool so that I don't get to warm once exercising?

What if the water feels like a velvety balm to my skin?

What if the sensation of weightlessness is just what my body needs?

What if there is plenty of room for faster swimmers to overtake me?

Considering these options led me into deciding to go swimming after all, and I am very glad I did.

What are your What-ifs?

Dr Keely Vincent (@dr.kellyvincent) highlights some hopeful what-ifs to consider:

What if today is different?

What if things get better?

What if things work out in ways I haven’t even dreamed of yet?

What if anxiety is only a part of me, not all of me?

What if I am more capable than I realise?

Dr Shadé Zahrai says: 'We need to consciously, cognitively reframe our language' in order to stop our brain focusing on risks or threats.

Perhaps, practicing these hopeful what-ifs is something to experiment with this coming week?