Are you a self-identified Type A?!!!

When doing research the other day, I stumbled across the fact that the “Type A” personality typology was actually accidentally stumbled upon by two cardiologists when they realized they were having to re-upholster their waiting room chairs more frequently than other doctor’s offices.  When researching why that was the case, these doctors figured out their patients tended to have similar personality traits that lead them to having a higher rate of heart disease and higher blood pressure than others.  Hence, the original label of “Type A” personality. (McLeod, S. A. (2017). Type A personality. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/personality-a.html)

The Type A Behavior Pattern (TABP) generally includes traits such as anxiousness, ambitiousness, competitiveness, a constant sense of urgency, and can easy arousal to anger or hostility.  Type A’s also tend to have their fight, flight or freeze response set off more easily by their environment.

There are many fantastic things about the TABP as well - they are meticulously organized, tend to be very successful in business, are extremely efficient with their time, and generally have great execution of ideas.  But, with the increased tendency for heart disease and higher blood pressure, what are 5 things you can do to care for your wellbeing if you are a self identified Type A-er?

1. Learn how to meditate, sit in nature or stillness for 5-10 minutes a day
2. Start writing in a journal, on a notepad, wherever…just getting out some of what is pent up will be tremendously helpful for your emotional wellbeing
3. Exercise 4-5 days a week - for your heart and for your mental and emotional health
4. Have an RTT Hypnotherapy session - figure out the belief system behind what sets you off into anxiety or anger easily.  Being able to shift your belief system with this modality will help your mental health and your relationships.
5. Practice self care - whether that means taking a mental health day, going to get a massage, hanging out with a friend during the week, going for a counseling session, walking your dog every evening, making yourself a cup of tea when feeling triggered, praying, connecting to your higher self, taking a bath….the list goes on….the important part is to choose a few things you can implement whenever your Type A tendencies are driving you a bit nutty.