Trying to cope in Everyday Life
Within the labyrinth of our minds, anxious thoughts often lurk in the shadows, waiting to surface and cast a veil of uncertainty over our daily experiences. Should I do this, am I capable of that, what will others think? From the mundane everyday tasks to the significant milestones, anxiety can weave its intricate web, altering our perceptions and behaviours. In this blog, we explore the impact of anxious thoughts and behaviours and discover strategies to manoeuvre through the maze of doubt and confusion they create.
The Constant Companion - Anxiety is often likened to a persistent companion, whispering doubts and uncertainties into our ears. Its presence can manifest in various forms – from generalised worry about the future to specific fears about social interactions or performance. These anxious thoughts can hijack our attention, overshadowing moments of happiness and accomplishment with a cloud of apprehension.
Impact on Everyday Experiences - The influence of anxious thoughts extends far beyond mere moments of worry. It infiltrates our interactions, colouring them with a sense of unease. Social gatherings become battlegrounds where we manoeuvre through the minefield of potential judgment and rejection. Simple tasks transform into daunting challenges, as the fear of failure looms large in our minds.
In the workplace, anxious thoughts can hinder our productivity and innovation, stifling our creativity and confidence. The fear of making mistakes or falling short of expectations can lead to procrastination and avoidance, trapping us in a cycle of self-doubt and frustration. You know that sinking feeling when your boss wants to have a word, where does your first thought go - what have I done wrong? Yep, never about the praise you might be about to receive! That's the games our mind plays with us, what we must learn to do, is not second guess!
Even in moments of leisure and relaxation, anxiety can creep in, robbing us of the fun of the present moment. Instead of savouring life's pleasures, we find ourselves preoccupied with what-ifs and worst-case scenarios, unable to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. Do I look good in this, am I too big to be in this spa with my friends, my mate has a better physique than me, doing the comparison stuff, body shaming yourself.
Breaking the Cycle - While anxiety may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, there are strategies we can all use to break free from its grip and reclaim control of our lives.
1. Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques - Practicing mindfulness can help anchor us in the present moment, allowing us to observe our anxious thoughts without becoming entangled in them. Grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or focusing on the senses, can also help bring us back to the here and now when we feel overwhelmed by anxiety.
2. Self-Compassion - Learning to be kind and compassionate about yourself is essential in managing anxious thoughts and behaviours. Rather than berating ourselves for perceived shortcomings, we can offer ourselves empathy and understanding, just as we would do with a friend facing similar struggles.
3. Seeking Support - It's important to remember that we don't have to face the struggles of anxiety alone. Seeking support from friends, family, health professionals and therapists can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement toward finding strategies to help us heal. Hypnotherapy, neuro linguistic programming (nlp) with coaching and cognitive behaviour therapy can also help.
Conclusion:
Anxious thoughts and behaviours may cast a shadow over our everyday experiences, but they do not define who we are. By cultivating self-awareness, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed, we can learn to understand how to manage and overcome the triggers that create the anxiety. We can build resilience and confidence, and in doing so, we can uncover the possibility that are there for us, free from the constraints of fear and doubt, living wild and fearless!
Written by Rosy Wilson 21 February 2024
Credit: Oleg Hasanov
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