To "work oneself up" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of creating or experiencing strong emotions, usually negative ones, through one's own conscious efforts or by overthinking a situation. The phrase suggests the idea of building up intense feelings within oneself, often to the point of becoming agitated, anxious, or upset.
When someone "works themselves up," it often involves dwelling on a particular thought or scenario excessively, resulting in an escalation of emotions. This could be due to over-analyzing a problem, imagining worst-case scenarios, or continually replaying distressing memories. As a result, the individual may end up feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or highly anxious.
The term can also refer to the process of intentionally arousing or intensifying one's own emotions. This might involve mentally convincing oneself of something, such as building up courage or motivation, to perform a particular task. In this context, "working oneself up" can be viewed as a way to self-motivate or psych oneself up for a challenging situation.
However, it is important to note that "working oneself up" generally implies an excessive or disproportionate emotional reaction. While some level of emotional involvement can be helpful in certain circumstances, allowing emotions to intensify beyond a reasonable level can lead to mental or emotional distress. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance and manage one's emotional state appropriately in order to maintain overall well-being.
