Health anxiety rearing its ugly head

[Marmitemyway]

I have this fear of getting Ill every time I have a job coming up which will stop me being able to do my job - I’m a part time private chef alongside my regular daytime job I know through past CBT that it’s irrational but it doesn't help the fact my anxiety just hits its peak
I start to feel Ill - upset stomach symptoms , fatigue etc when ever I think about the upcoming job and I know the symptoms are real but I also know they are symptoms of anxiety and the fact that if I’m Ill it will ruin someone’s party because I’m the only one that can do the job . The day after I will be ok almost relieved it’s all over but in the meantime I’m there sabotaging my peace of mind and putting myself through torture. I do this for the extra money and although I have general anxiety my regular daytime job doesn’t make me feel like this. I can see it happening every time and it’s really exhausting but I have to do it
anyone got any instantly calming tips ?

When we face a challenge in our lives our mind does an unconscious cognitive assessment or what we might refer to as 'an audit of resources'. The question is - “do I have what is necessary to deal with this challenge?”


If the answer is YES, we take on the challenge with minimal or zero emotional concern (which is what happens with your regular job)
.

If the answer is NO (or in your case "I'm not sure") we become vulnerable to three extreme strategies of the subconscious.

1. Shutdown

We regard every challenge we face in our everyday life to be too much for us and we retreat to a safe and unchallenging space and stop engaging with the world.

1. Meltdown

We decide that on our own we cannot deal with the challenges we face. Unable to reach out consciously for help we resort to a demonstrative emotional meltdown in an attempt to attract assistance.

3. Breakdown
In an attempt to take on the challenges facing us we go into an extended state of fight or flight as a means to draw out and access all of our remaining resources - this is what's happening to you. Your body's reaction is typical of the flight or fight reaction, and as soon as the challenge is over these dissipate.

Just knowing this should help you, plus making sure you are at your best physically to take on the challenge - plenty of sleep, good nutrition and being as well prepared as you can be.

@Eyesopenwideawake that is so helpful thank you 🙏