Our internal mechanism was created hundreds of thousands of years ago. Back then, it was very useful to prepare for danger (predators, storms, enemies…). The problem is that our bodies still react this way, even though our modern dangers are not as severe as they once were.
Anxiety is always the result of cognitive evaluation—that is, an interpretation of the information we receive. Therefore, perception is key. What do we consider dangerous? How do we assess what is happening around us?
And how do we want to respond?
What are the causes?
- Fear of uncertainty and the need to control the future: “What if?” (in relationships, work, health, etc.)
- Fear of failure or making a mistake (bad decisions)
- Fear of not being good enough
- Fear of being judged by others; social anxiety (what people think of me, comparisons)
- The digital age is overwhelming and often leads to suffering. It creates a false sense of connection (a lack of touch, oxytocin, and eye contact). We are social beings and need real connection.
Now, dear reader, you can see that with COVID and the current global situation bringing so much uncertainty and a lack of connection, it is only natural that anxiety levels have risen.
Many people have fallen into procrastination as an escape strategy or have turned to alcohol, drugs, or even suicide as a way to silence their feelings.
The good news is that we now know a lot about anxiety, and there are many techniques and strategies to overcome it.
Welcome Your Guest
What if fear wasn’t an enemy—but a messenger?
- When we try to run away from anxiety, it chases us. Stay and face it. There are many strategies you can use.
- Often, anxiety is trying to tell you something. Listen to its story and externalize it. You can draw Mr. Fear or Mr. Anxiety, write down what they are saying to you, say it out loud, or illustrate it. Many times, just saying it aloud reduces the urgency. Remember, anxiety is often fear of fear itself—meaning it is not specific. It is a faceless enemy. Once you give it a face and a clear statement, everything becomes more manageable. Now you can talk to the uninvited guest. Treat the guest with respect, welcome them, talk to them, and ask what they want. There is no need to run.
- The goal is to confront anxiety, understand what it wants, and recognize what we are giving unnecessary attention and weight to. We’ll likely discover that we can handle it using other (healthier) strategies.
- You will find that welcoming your fear or anxiety means you can continue doing things and living your life despite it. The more you push it away, the harder it is to keep it at bay. Your fear gives it energy. If you accept that Mr. Fear is here and will be here for a while, he will eventually lose interest in staying with you. We are most interesting to him when there is strong resistance.
By liking and sharing, you help spread inspiration to people who need it. Never underestimate the power of community.
#ThroughTheStorm
#MasteringAnxietyWithResilience
#BeTheCaptainOfYourSoul
