Maybe there is a lot of uncertainty in your life right now. Maybe you are scared that something might not work out the way you hoped or you feel inadequate.. Maybe you feel you don’t deserve the best that life has to offer.Understanding the driving force behind your anxiety is key in learning the best way to get help.
2. Find the words
Understanding is crucial, but being able to express feelings is power.
I highly recommend the AI-powered journal, Rosebud*, which is an online journal that I use every day.
It is amazing at helping me better understand my thoughts and creating clarity and self-awareness. It also makes me more aware of patterns and the pockets of insecurity that come up for me.
Like anything, the more you use it and the more honest you are about your feelings, the more you will get out of it.
*We are affiliated with Rosebud so we receive a small commission when you use the code atxcounseling if you chose to purchase a subscription. There are lots of free options to try as well.
3. Notice your reactions
We all have certain fairly predictable reactions to stress. Maybe you tend to avoid, go inside, hide away, dissociate, or maybe you use outside distraction like your phone, food, or alcohol for comfort, or maybe you tend to over-function and over-think. Knowing your particular response becomes a sign. It lets you know something might be off and needs your attention.
4. Normalize it
Anxiety is part of life, if you are living well and meaningfully it means feeling the pressure sometimes and over-worrying. Finding ways to manage the vulnerability of living fully and creativity will help you build confidence.
5. Practice Empathy
It’s amazing how often we wake up already feeling behind. The anxious mind telling us we could be doing something better; we could be skinnier, more successful, or improve in some ways. If you notice these thoughts hitting you, give yourself some empathy. You are doing the best you can, as you learn more you will naturally evolve. There’s no hurry.
6. Embrace Your True Self
We live in a world that earns a lot of profit telling you you’re not good enough – that you should look a certain way or achieve a certain goal. Embracing who you are is brave. It also makes the process of life unfold without so much panic. Give yourself time to go at your own pace and embrace who you are all along the way.
7. Find Things That Work For You
What works for you might not work for everyone so be willing to try new things and see what happens. Loving yourself means being generous with your emotional needs. Building trust in yourself means letting go what doesn’t work and focusing on what best serves you.
8. Ask For Help
Many times what keeps us stuck and in our own heads is the isolation anxiety creates. I know when I share what keeps me worried, it always seems a little less scary. When we have safe people in our lives that we trust; we feel less alone and a little more steady on our feet. Things don’t seem so scary afterall.
9. Get out of your head, and into your body
I am a true believer that we can minister to the mind through the body. Taking great care of your body through rest, relaxation, exercise, meditation, going outside, yoga, or a great night’s sleep can do wonders for the brain.
10. Things might get worse before they get better
In therapy, we sometimes ask people to share things that are uncomfortable and scary. Some people aren’t used to asking for help or sharing their inner worlds so openly. Sometimes we have to endure some short-term discomfort for a life filled with hope, happiness, security, and joy. It’s ok if things don’t happen overnight, stick with the process of healing and new ways of being will come your way.
