In today's society, hyperdemands are an increasingly common phenomenon that affects many people in their daily lives. These are characterized by the imposition of extremely high standards and excessive demands on oneself or others. Hyperdemands can manifest themselves in various areas, such as work, academic, social, personal or family, and their effects can be devastating if they are not managed properly.
Origin and nature of hyperdemands
Hyperdemands usually arise from multiple factors, such as social pressure to stand out or be successful, the influence of unattainable models of perfection in the media, excessive self-demand as a mechanism of defense against uncertainty or fear of failure, among others. These excessive demands can be internalized and self-imposed, or be external and come from authority figures, such as parents, bosses or society in general.
Characteristics of people with hyperdemands
People who suffer from hyperdemands usually present certain common characteristics, such as the constant search for perfection, fear of making mistakes or disappointing others, excessive self-demand, difficulty relaxing and enjoying the present moment, the tendency to postpone satisfaction. personnel in order to meet unrealistic expectations, among others. This pattern of behavior can generate high levels of stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion and problems both physically and psychologically.
Consequences of hyperdemands in daily life
Hyperdemands can have a significant impact on the lives of the people who experience them, affecting both their emotional well-being and their functioning in different areas. Below are some of the most common consequences of hyperdemands in daily life:
1. Chronic stress
People who live under a constant state of hyperdemand often experience high levels of chronic stress, which can trigger a series of physical and mental health problems. Prolonged stress can affect the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and other related problems.
2. Paralyzing perfectionism
Perfectionism, a common characteristic among people with hyperdemands, can be paralyzing and hinder the achievement of tasks or goals. The constant pursuit of excellence can lead to chronic dissatisfaction as self-imposed standards of perfection are never met. This can lead to procrastination, avoidance of challenges, fear of failure and unrealizable self-demands.
3. Affected interpersonal relationships
Hyperdemands can interfere with the quality of interpersonal relationships, since people who experience them tend to project their demanding standards on others. This can generate conflicts, misunderstandings, frustration and distance in relationships, both at work and in the personal sphere. The lack of flexibility and empathy can make it difficult to connect with others and generate an environment of tension and discomfort.
4. Negative self-esteem and self-concept
Hyperdemands can negatively impact people's self-esteem and self-concept, since they constantly compare themselves to unattainable standards and criticize themselves for not meeting them. Excessive self-criticism, the feeling of not being good or capable enough, the lack of recognition of achievements and excessive self-demand can undermine self-confidence and feed a cycle of negative and self-destructive thoughts.
5. Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Excessive demands and constant pressure can lead to a state of emotional exhaustion known as burnout. Burnout is characterized by physical, emotional and mental exhaustion, loss of motivation, depersonalization, a feeling of ineffectiveness and lack of energy to cope with daily demands. This state can affect the ability to work, study, relate to others, and enjoy life in general.
Addressing hyperdemands
It is essential to identify and address hyperdemands in a manner adequate to prevent its negative effects in daily life. Some strategies that may be useful to manage hyperdemands include:
1. Self-knowledge and acceptance
Take the time necessary to reflect on your own demands, identify their origin and accept that it is possible to live in a more balanced and healthy way. Recognizing negative automatic thoughts and replacing them with realistic and positive thoughts can help modify the pattern of self-demand.
2. Establish limits and priorities
Learning to establish clear limits regarding one's own expectations and obligations, identifying personal and professional priorities, delegating tasks when necessary and learning to say \"no\" assertively are fundamental skills to avoid emotional exhaustion and overload of responsibilities.
3. Practice self-compassion
Cultivate self-compassion and self-love as ways to foster self-acceptance and self-care. Being kind, understanding and patient with yourself in times of difficulty can help reduce self-demand and improve self-esteem.
4. Seek professional support
In cases of severe hyperdemands that significantly affect quality of life and emotional well-being, it is advisable to seek professional help. A psychologist or therapist can provide the necessary tools to address hyperdemands, work on modifying patterns of thinking and behavior, and develop strategies to cope with stress and anxiety more effectively.
Conclusions
In summary, hyperdemands are an increasingly frequent phenomenon in today's society, which can have negative consequences on the daily lives of people who experience them. Excessive self-demand, paralyzing perfectionism, chronic stress, affected interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem and burnout are some of the most common consequences associated with hyperdemands.
It is essential to identify hyperdemands, understand their origin and address them appropriately to prevent their harmful effects on physical and emotional health. Practicing self-acceptance, establishing limits and priorities, cultivating self-compassion and seeking professional support are some useful strategies to manage hyperdemands and promote greater emotional well-being and quality of life.