What do you think about Perfectionism?

What do you think about Perfectionism? Is it bad or good? What kind of impact does this have on our lives? Does this have any impact on our mental health also?

As we all know, it is a commonly accepted notion that describes the drive to attain flawlessness in everything we do. It can be a positive force that propels individuals towards excellence but also a debilitating and harmful state of mind. Last week we had an internal wellness event among our ASHA Doctors and Healing team. Let us know what? Ayurvedic Doctors Team at ASHAexperience highlighted about the impact of perfectionism on our mental and physical well-being and whether perfectionism is good or not.

Perfectionism is characterised by an all-consuming preoccupation with self-criticism and an unrealistic drive to achieve excellence in everything. The fear of making mistakes and the constant need to be perfect can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. Moreover, perfectionism can interfere with an individual’s ability to complete tasks, as they may become so focused on details that they lose sight of the bigger picture.

In terms of physical health, perfectionism can cause significant stress and anxiety, leading to physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue. It has also found a link between perfectionism and sleep disturbances, as individuals who strive for perfection often struggle to relax and let their guard down, even in bed. This can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, which can have a negative impact on physical and mental health.

Perfectionism can also significantly impact mental health, with individuals struggling with this condition often experiencing depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. They may also struggle with relationships, as the constant need for perfection can cause them to be critical of others and have difficulty accepting feedback. Furthermore, the fear of failure and the need for perfection can make it difficult for individuals to take risks, limiting their personal and professional growth.

On the other hand, perfectionism can also have some positive effects. It can motivate individuals to work harder and strive for excellence in their pursuits. Perfectionists often have high standards, and this can lead to better quality work and a more focused approach to tasks. Furthermore, perfectionism can lead to increased attention to detail and a drive to find the best solutions to problems.

However, Dr Anoosha Sashtry explains by applying Ayurvedic Life Science that it is important to note that there is a difference between striving for excellence and perfectionism. Striving for excellence involves working hard and having high standards. But, it also involves accepting that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and an opportunity to grow and improve. In contrast, perfectionism is an unrealistic drive to achieve flawlessness and involves an unrelenting and unhealthy focus on mistakes and failures.

In conclusion, perfectionism can positively and negatively affect an individual’s mental and physical well-being. While striving for excellence can motivate and lead to better quality work. Perfectionism can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and various physical symptoms. It is important to find a balance between striving for excellence and accepting that mistakes are an inherent part of life and a valuable opportunity for growth and learning.

In order to overcome perfectionism, it is important to practice self-compassion and to learn to accept mistakes as a natural part of the learning process. It is also essential to set realistic goals and focus on progress rather than perfection. Additionally, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health healer, who can help in developing healthier coping strategies and improve their overall well-being and also guide them in incorporating Yoga and Meditation in their daily life.?