Anxiety can be incredibly disruptive to our lives. Disrupting sleep, relationships, work, academics, and everything in between — it can leave you feeling so frustrated and helpless.
This is so common and normal. Anxiety is often telling us something. Anxiety could be telling you that something is wrong and needs to be processed. You would not ignore a painful gash in your leg, you would tend to it so that it would heal well. Similarly, anxiety needs to be addressed and acknowledged so that you can experience healing and growth, rather than ignoring and suppressing it.
Let’s talk through some ways to identify and cope with anxiety.
First, stop and acknowledge that you feel anxious. State out loud to yourself, “I feel anxious.” Identifying our feelings is the first step in learning to regulate our bodies. Approach your anxiety with curiosity, rather than judgment.
Next, notice how anxiety shows up in your body. Do you feel your throat start to tighten? Do you notice your stomach turning or feeling nauseous? What about tension in your shoulders? Your heart beating out of your chest? Nervous energy all throughout your body? Do you feel panicky?
In noticing how anxiety shows up for you in your body, you will begin to learn to regulate yourself.
Then, think about what is causing you to feel anxious. Take a moment to check in with what has been going on in your life. Is it one of the aforementioned things that is causing anxiety or perhaps another area of your life that was not listed?
After doing this internal work, talk to your partner, friend, or a therapist about your anxiety. If you don’t have access to speak with anyone, write in a journal or even on a note on your phone about all that is swirling around in your brain. Dump out as much as you can — do your best not to judge your thoughts and feelings, but rather simply notice them. Again, approach your anxiety with curiosity, rather than judgment.
Finally, reach out if your anxiety has become so overwhelming that you need professional help. We would be glad to come alongside and support you in coping with anxiety.