Ever feel like your heart’s about to burst out of your chest, your palms are sweating like you just ran a marathon, and your mind is a runaway train? Yep, that’s anxiety. We’ve all been there, right?
But what is anxiety really? It’s like that annoying smoke alarm that goes off every time the neighbors burn their toast. It’s fear, plain and simple. Fear that something bad is going to happen, and we won’t be able to handle it.
Why Do We Experience Anxiety?
Here’s the thing: Anxiety loves to play “what if?” What if I get a flat tire on a deserted road? What if my partner is secretly messaging their ex? What if I accidentally hit “reply all” on that email that was meant for my boss’s eyes only? (Okay, maybe that last one is just me.)
It’s like our brain is a movie director, creating worst-case scenarios that would make even Steven Spielberg nervous. But here’s the secret: Anxiety is often a master of illusion. It tricks us into believing we’re powerless, even though we’re usually perfectly capable of handling whatever life throws our way.
How to Cope with Anxiety
So how do we deal with this misunderstood emotion? The answer is surprisingly simple: Come back to the present. Ground yourself in the here and now. Because in this moment, right now, you’re probably okay. You’re breathing, you’re reading this blog post, and you’re probably not facing any immediate danger.
Try this: Look around you. Count the blue things you see. Now count the square things. Describe your surroundings in your mind. What’s the temperature like? Are there any smells—coffee brewing, freshly cut grass, that weird air freshener your coworker insists on using? Can you still taste your toothpaste? (Please say it’s minty fresh and not that weird cinnamon flavor.)
By focusing on our senses, we bring ourselves back to the present moment. And in the present moment, anxiety loses its power. It’s like that flat tire—it’s a problem for future you, not present you. (Unless you’re reading this blog post while driving, in which case, please pull over first.)
Here are a few more practical tips for managing anxiety:
- Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths, focusing on your inhale and exhale. This can help calm your nervous system.
- Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment without judgment. Notice your thoughts and feelings without getting carried away by them.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: When anxious thoughts arise, ask yourself if they’re really true. Are you catastrophizing? Are you overestimating the likelihood of something bad happening?
- Self-Care: Make sure you’re taking care of your physical and emotional needs. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and do things that you enjoy.
- Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about your anxiety. Sometimes, just sharing your feelings can make a big difference.
And remember, if all else fails, there’s always chocolate. (But maybe not the kind with the weird cinnamon flavor. Seriously, who thought that was a good idea?)
