Understanding Anxiety: Embracing the Positive, Managing the Negative!

Anxiety is a natural emotion that everyone experiences to some extent. Let's explore the positive and negative aspects of anxiety while discovering the top 10 strategies to manage it effectively!

Positive Aspects of Anxiety

Anxiety can heighten our awareness of potential threats and challenges, preparing us to respond effectively when needed. This is a necessary survival mechanism, and has kept humans alive for thousands of years.

In certain situations, anxiety can also act as a motivational force, pushing us to achieve our goals and excel in various areas of life. A healthy amount of anxiety can give us the boost we need to finish up a project or practice for an upcoming interview, etc.

Another positive aspect is that people with anxiety often have a deep sense of empathy and understanding, connecting with others' struggles on a profound level. We also have the propensity towards critical thinking! 🤯. Amiright!?

Negative Aspects of Anxiety

Although small levels of anxiety can be helpful for humans, chronic high levels of anxiety can overwhelm us, making it difficult to focus, concentrate, or engage in daily activities. It can also lead to avoidance behavior, hindering personal growth and restricting us from experiencing new things.

Furthermore, physical symptoms of anxiety, like muscle tension, headaches, stomach issues, and exhaustion, can really impact our quality of life and ability to cope with other day-to-day stressors. 

Managing Anxiety

There are many different ways that we can manage and heal anxiety, depending on the cause. Here are 10 Strategies to help you Manage Anxiety:

1️⃣ Deep Breathing: Practice deep, slow breaths to activate the body's relaxation response, shut down survival mode and reduce anxiety levels.

2️⃣ Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises to anchor yourself in the present moment and prevent anxious thoughts and physical sensations from overwhelming you.

3️⃣ Regular Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, as it releases endorphins, helps you discharge emotional energy, as well as reduces stress.

4️⃣ Self-Compassion: Replace negative self-talk with self-compassionate statements and encouragement to build self-confidence and resilience.

5️⃣ Social Support: Connect with friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings, create a sense of connection and to gain valuable perspectives.

6️⃣ Time Management: Create a structured schedule to reduce uncertainty and maintain a sense of control. This can also help you plan in anxiety-management techniques into your day! 

7️⃣ Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Reduce consumption of stimulants and depressants, as they can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, disrupt sleep and affect your ability to regulate.

8️⃣ Psychotherapy: Consider seeking professional help through counselling and psychotherapy. Different kinds of therapy can be helpful to heal, cope with and manage anxiety (i.e. CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, etc.)

9️⃣ Creative Outlets: Explore hobbies or creative pursuits to channel anxious energy into a positive outlet. Writing, painting, music and dance, etc. are some great mediums that allow us to express ourselves and process emotions.

🔟 Sleep Well: Prioritize sleep and establish a calming bedtime routine to improve overall well-being. When we are rested, we can manage stress and anxiety in more effective ways.

Remember, it's okay to seek support when dealing with anxiety. Our team of therapists are here to help you navigate through these challenges and empower you to lead a fulfilling, anxiety-managed life. 💫

​-Kristie & the Team 🌈