Anxiety: What’s The Relief?
Top Takeaways:
Stress can exacerbate anxiety, creating a cycle of heightened anxiety and stress levels.
Accepting limitations frees up mental space and reduces the pressure to make everything perfect.
Honoring commitments made to yourself regarding controllable aspects of life reinforces resilience and adaptability.
Identifying anxiety triggers, cultivating awareness, and developing coping strategies are essential steps.
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Summary: The article discusses the cumulative nature of anxiety which often arises from various concerns piling up, making situations like dating or job interviews daunting. It mentions that anxiety and stress can trap individuals in a disruptive cycle when reaching a hyper-alert state. To navigate anxiety, the author suggests acknowledging what's within one's control, accepting what's not, and focusing on cultivating confidence to handle unpredictability. By honoring personal commitments and reminding oneself of inherent capabilities, individuals can face life's uncertainties with self-compassion and self-acceptance, fostering a healthier relationship with anxiety.
Anxiety occurs every day, even for super-confident individuals. Bravery does not lie in the absence of fear but in overcoming it. That being said, a little bit of anxiety is natural and serves as a mechanism to seek safety. The question still is, what should we do when anxiety becomes overwhelming and starts controlling our days?
Anxiety Is Cumulative
Anxiety seldom comes from one specific thing or one specific event. For example, you want to ask someone out, but your hands start to shake and your heart starts to race. You're worried about them not liking the way you dress, or perhaps you say to yourself, "I'm having a bad hair day." You may also worry that the person you like is already dating someone, or you notice that they seem to be having a bad day. All these worries pile up and prevent you from taking action.
This pattern can be seen in various anxiety-provoking experiences, such as job interviews, meeting new people, or countless other situations. In every experience, there is an overwhelming feeling of having too many options and uncertainties about how things will unfold. Stress can exacerbate our worries, compounding the effects of anxiety. When both stress and anxiety levels are high, they can wreak havoc on the body and mind, trapping us in a cycle. Anxiety and stress are natural responses to our environment, but when they reach a consistent hyper-alert state, we misinterpret the experience of running from a bear with the anxiety of going on a date.
What’s The Resolution for Anxiety?
I can identify when my anxiety arises, it's typically triggered by a negative event in my life, coupled with a lack of belief in my resources and abilities to cope with them. During moments of anxiety, I have discovered two crucial strategies that support me in navigating unexpected situations with confidence and building a healthier relationship with my anxiety. Firstly, I take a step back to acknowledge the things that are within my control and accept those that are not. This realization helps me understand that no matter how much I try to plan, certain things are beyond my influence. By accepting the reality of my limitations, I free up mental space and let go of the pressure to make everything perfect. This newfound space allows me to redirect my energy towards areas where I can make a positive impact or effect change, inadvertently reducing my anxiety and stress levels.
Secondly, I focus on cultivating my confidence to handle unpredictable situations. The most effective and straightforward method I have found is by honoring the commitments I make to myself regarding the things I can control. Prioritizing this practice empowers me to face unexpected challenges and reinforces my belief in my resilience and adaptability. It serves as a reminder that I am fully capable of handling whatever obstacles life throws my way, even if they deviate from my initial plans.
Additionally, it is important to acknowledge that there may be moments when I need reminders that nothing happens perfectly. Embracing the fact that I am human, with inherent limitations and imperfections, is an integral part of embracing my wholeness. It is also important to remind myself that as long as I show up for myself and do my best within my capabilities, anything is possible. Adopting this mindset enables me to let go of self-judgment and shame, and navigate life with self-compassion and self-acceptance. This, in turn, allows me to approach uncertain and uncomfortable situations with confidence.
Overall, when confronted with experiences that trigger my anxiety, I draw upon my strength in recognizing what is within my control, having confidence in my ability to find solutions, and reminding myself that perfection is a subjective construct. As the saying goes, progress may be slow but certain: "Two steps forward, one step back."
My Final Thoughts on Anxiety
So, how can we ease our anxiety in stressful situations? The answers are not universal, but the truth is Anxiety is inevitable. Therefore, the goal is to develop a healthier relationship with it. Let me tell you what doesn't help: trying to push it away with coping strategies like distracting activities. First, identify the things that trigger your anxiety: people, places, and things.
Second, once you recognize these triggers, you can begin to cultivate awareness of when your anxiety arises and what helps you manage it. Third, develop coping strategies that help you calm down, allowing you to focus on what is within your control, and reminding yourself that, regardless of what life throws at you, you are capable of handling it. I hope this article has provided you with some useful information on anxiety and its relief.
