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Because individuals perceive and react to the same situation differently, it is impossible to predict exactly how a person will respond psychologically and physiologically to a specific external stimulus. One movie may evoke anger, laughter, and no emotion in three different people. Playing a game in front of a crowd might cause best or worst performances in different players. Part of the reason people differ in their perceptions and reactions is related to personality.
Types A and B
Authorities agree that personality and the ability to cope with stress are related to coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the exact characteristics that cause the higher risk are difficult to enumerate or measure. One attempt to do this separates people into Type A and Type B behavior. People with Type A behavior (extremely time conscious, angry, aggressive, impatient) are more prone to CHD. If you exhibit these characteristics, then you have a greater response to psychological stressors. Therefore, it is appropriate to learn to relax, be cautious about overdoing exercise, and be engaged in more relatively noncompetitive activities. If, on the other hand, you are a Type B person (easygoing, nonaggressive, "laid-back"), you may need more stimulation and motivation to begin and continue an exercise program.
Anger
Evidence points to a relationship between anger and CHD. If you keep anger bottled up inside rather than expressing it (e.g., talking about it to a close friend), you are at increased risk for CHD. Three recommendations can help you with your anger:
1. Try to develop positive attitudes toward yourself, others, and the world in general so that anger occurs less frequently.
2. Express anger rather than denying it or keeping it inside.
3. Develop the kind of relationships with others that allows emotions to be shared.
When you are open about your own feelings ("What you did really made me angry yesterday") and sensitive to other peoples' moods ("You seem upset today"), you are dealing appropriately with anger.
Assertiveness, Aggression, Hostility, and Denial
Assertiveness, aggression, hostility, and denial may, for different reasons, cause you to do too much. If you tend to be an aggressive or hostile person, you may get so involved in your exercise activity that you don't pay attention to discomfort or danger signs. If you try to deny your pain, you tend to overdo. One of the distinctions between assertiveness and aggression or hostility is that the assertive person is sensitive to others, whereas the aggressive or hostile person is less concerned with others' feelings. If you tend to be aggressive, consider the feelings of others in the group. One way of doing this is to ask yourself how you would feel if someone else in the group did to you what you are doing to others.
Anxiety, Depression, and Fear
We all experience some level of anxiety, depression, and fear. Postcardiac patients and other people with low fitness levels, however, often experience high levels of these conditions. If you are unduly worried or afraid about increasing or changing your physical activity, ask for support from the fitness leader. It is important to ease into a fitness program and to see that positive results can occur with minimum risk as you progress to higher levels of activity. Another aspect of becoming physically active and adopting other healthy behaviors is the increased perception of control over your own life, which can help you deal with your anxiety, fear, or depression.
Rationalization
One of the most difficult skills is being able to differentiate between the real reasons for our behavior and the rationalizations we choose to believe. It is impossible to progress with exercise or other healthy behaviors until we acknowledge the real reasons for our current behaviors. Being completely honest with ourselves and the fitness leader is an important step in increasing healthy behaviors.
Rejection
You may have rejected exercise in the past or feel that active persons have rejected you (e.g., as a child you were always the last chosen to play games). Keep in mind when choosing a fitness program that a good program will help everyone feel included and welcome.
Catharsis
Some people use exercise to cleanse their minds and emotions. Their fitness activities relieve the clutter in their minds and allow them to start fresh following the exercise. After you reach a minimum level of fitness, there is a place in the fitness program for activities that allow you to "let go." For example, a runner might include some speed work, sprinting during some sections of the run. Those who play sports for fitness might engage in a vigorous singles match of racquetball, tennis, or one-on-one basketball.
Euphoria
Some people experience a heightened emotional state (sometimes referred to as a "runner's high") while exercising. This state resembles a deep religious experience or the emotional state achieved by using certain drugs. It cannot be planned, nor can it serve as the basis for motivation, since you may not experience it. However, almost everyone can achieve an increased sense of "feeling good" as a result of appropriate physical activities.
One of the main purposes of a fitness program is to help you progress safely to the fitness level at which you become "addicted" in that you look forward to your regular workout. As with all healthy behaviors, however, it is possible to take an exercise addiction to the extreme. Instead of regarding exercise as a healthy part of life, some people become obsessed and overemphasize its importance, spending time exercising instead of spending time in other parts of their lives (e.g., working or with their families). |
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