Anxiety can be viewed as a fear that the future may contrast presently desired results. It is the mindset that worries about the outcomes of forthcoming events. Anxiety is oftentimes the result of past trauma; the mind creates schemas or ways of drawing conclusions of a matter based on prior experience. As a person goes forward, there may be a tendency to “predict” the future through assumptions.
The root meaning of anxiety is to choke; this may show up in real-time as hesitation and procrastination. It can also be related to confusion and indecisiveness. Focusing on the surface of anxiety may yield temporary relief but getting to the cause has more lasting effects. Here are a few basic anti-anxiety practices that can be implemented in almost every daily situation.
Breathe & Connect. Breathing alone is the body’s natural way of calming itself and the mind. It grants a time gap for a person to connect to their thoughts and emotions. Tracing mental steps supports in revealing the state of mind associated with the onset of anxiety. It is in locating and naming the thought the grants power to address the underlying issue.
Be Proactive. Anxiety can be linked to people and places. Knowing this is an advantage, as it allows one to prepare for the emotions and thoughts that may arise. Being proactive is helpful during and after the healing process as it affords one the opportunity to work through experiences without the need (or habit) to withdraw. Withdrawal is one of those unsustainable temporary fixes.
Self-awareness. When considering self-awareness, we are aren’t speaking about the physical body, the many titles that may be held, or the amount of material possessions owned. The Self exists on the inside of the physical body. It is the personhood of an individual that is comprised of a mind and a will. It’s the place where intentions reside and decisions are made. Beyond our emotions, the intangible being houses core beliefs and values. Being aware of that being, and what they believe (or hold as true) and value (or hold as important) is vital when it comes to anxiety. Anxiety happens in the mind of the inner being; it directly impacts, frustrates, or resists those core beliefs and core values. It also has the ability to shape them.
Navigating anxiety can be a daily task but it doesn’t have to be a lifelong journey. Discovering ways to resolve the cause of it can take you further than imagined.
LifeWork
Based on the practices mentioned, take at least 5 minutes to Breathe and Connect for the next 2 days.
Then, choose a daily activity that may prompt an anxious response and consider ways you may be able to prepare in advance. Some action steps include meditating prior to the event; having a trustworthy person join you; or creating a simple plan that aims to temper conversations or any foreseen pressure.
Be sure to take time to reflect on the inner-self. Remember, there is a you inside of you.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.