Defining anxiousness: the struggle within. What does it mean to be anxious? Overall, anxiousness is just being nervous for a first date or a test. Anxiety is freaking out and not going through with the planned event.
As a matter of fact, a good example of anxiety-I had to go to the dentist yesterday. I was getting so worked up about it, I almost didn’t go.
I ended up taking extra anxiety meds because if I didn’t, I knew I wouldn’t go. As a result, I know that is more than just being anxious about an appointment, it’s pure anxiety.
Nervousness is a natural reaction to a stressful situation. Many physical sensations can accompany nervousness, including a dry mouth, sweaty palms, and dizziness.
You may also experience feelings of self-doubt. Anxiousness is normal, but when it turns into anxiety that alters your life, that’s when you have to be on the look out.
Basically, if you start avoiding situations and anxiety is really affecting your life drastically, then you should be concerned.
Anxiety Disorder vs. Feeling Anxious
Nervousness :Temporary
Anxiety: Persistent
Nervousness: Less intense
Anxiety: More intense
Nervousness: Response to something specific
Anxiety: Often more generalized
Nervousness: Rarely leads to negative coping behaviors
Anxiety: Interferes with daily life
Nervousness: Manageable with self-care
Anxiety: May require therapy or medication
Why do I Have Anxiousness?
Defining anxiousness: the struggle within. Basically, anxiousness can be caused by many different situations, and it can vary from person to person. Some possible causes include:
- Life events: In general, significant life events like buying a house, having a baby, or planning a wedding can cause stress and anxiety. Other life events that can cause anxiety include bereavement, divorce, or caring for someone.
- Work: Work-related stress can include unemployment, retirement, or workload.
- Financial problems: Additionally, financial problems like debt or unexpected bills can cause anxiety.
- Health: Health issues like illness, injury, asthma, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, or irritable bowel syndrome can cause anxiety.
- Past experiences: Accordingly, past experiences like bullying, abuse, or neglect can cause anxiety.
- Personality: People with certain personality types may be more prone to anxiety disorders.
- Other mental health issues: Altogether, people with other mental health disorders, like depression, often also have an anxiety disorder.
- Family history: Anxiety disorders can run in families, so having blood relatives with an anxiety disorder may be a factor.
- Drugs or alcohol: Drug or alcohol use, misuse, or withdrawal can cause or worsen anxiety.
- Food: At the same time, eating certain foods like processed meats, high sugar foods, caffeine, and alcohol can increase cortisol levels, which is the primary hormone responsible for stress. Not eating can also trigger anxiety because a drop in blood sugar can lead to jittery hands and a rumbling tummy.
- Negative thinking: When you’re upset or frustrated, the words you say to yourself can trigger greater feelings of anxiety.
How to Stop Anxiousness
Defining anxiousness: the struggle within. Managing anxiousness can involve various strategies and techniques. Here are some effective approaches:
- Deep Breathing: Certainly, practicing deep breathing exercises to help calm your mind and body. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Engage in mindfulness practices or meditation to focus on the present moment and reduce racing thoughts.
- Physical Activity: Equally, regular exercise can help reduce anxiety levels by releasing endorphins and improving your mood.
- Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Reducing your intake of stimulants like caffeine and sugar can help manage anxiety symptoms.
- Establish a Routine: Consequently, creating a daily routine can provide structure and a sense of control, which may help alleviate anxious feelings.
- Talk About It: Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or therapist can provide relief and support.
- Sleep Hygiene: At any rate, ensure you get enough restful sleep, as fatigue can exacerbate anxiety.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can positively impact your mental health.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Seek Professional Help: Therefore, if anxiety persists, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.
Remember, it’s important to find what works best for you, as different strategies may be more effective for different individuals.
Calm Anxiousness by Accepting It
Defining anxiousness: the struggle within. Accepting anxiousness can be an effective strategy for managing anxiety. Here’s how acceptance can help:
- Reducing Resistance: Trying to fight or avoid anxious feelings can often intensify them. Besides, acceptance allows you to acknowledge your feelings without judgment, which can reduce their power over you.
- Mindfulness Practice: Acceptance is a core component of mindfulness. Undoubtedly, by being present with your feelings and observing them without trying to change them, you can create a sense of calm and clarity.
- Understanding Triggers: Accepting anxiousness can help you identify what triggers your anxiety. At length, this understanding can lead to better coping strategies and prevent future anxiety episodes.
- Emotional Regulation: When you accept your feelings of anxiousness, you can learn to regulate your emotions more effectively. This means you can respond to anxiety in a healthier way rather than reacting impulsively.
- Building Resilience: Acceptance fosters resilience. Henceforth, by acknowledging that anxiety is a part of life, you can develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself and learn to navigate challenging emotions.
- Encouraging Action: Acceptance can help you differentiate between what you can control and what you cannot. Therefore, this clarity can empower you to take constructive action in areas where you have influence.
- Promoting Self-Compassion: Accepting anxiousness encourages self-compassion. Instead of criticizing yourself for feeling anxious, you can treat yourself with kindness and understanding.
Incorporating acceptance into your approach to anxiousness can lead to greater emotional well-being and a more balanced perspective on your feelings.
Other Ways To Stop Anxiety
Defining anxiousness: the struggle within. When your anxiety feels overwhelming, these techniques can give you quick, short-term relief.
Do a reality check: Ask yourself these questions:
Is there a chance I’m overly worried?
On scale of 1 to 100, how likely is it that the thing I’m anxious about will happen?
Do I have good reasons to think something will go wrong?
Redirect nervous energy
Overall, anxiety can be like a motor revving, says licensed professional counselor Lisa Henderson. “Take control of that energy and put it somewhere else,” says Henderson, co-founder and chief executive officer of Synchronous Health in Nashville.
“If you’re sitting there worried, for example, get up and walk or pace,” she says. “Take a few minutes to clean something. Go outside for 5 minutes. Shorts bursts of activity can release that anxious energy.”
Take a mental break
“Use a guided imagery app or simply daydream on your own,” Henderson says. “A brief mental vacation can break the cycle of anxious thoughts.”
Being that, to try this on your own, set a timer for a few minutes, close your eyes, and picture yourself somewhere you feel peaceful or happy.
“Just letting your mind wander can work well if your anxiety comes from feeling controlled or managed,” Henderson says. “If your mind returns to its anxious thoughts, notice — without judgment — that it’s happened and mentally tell your anxiety ‘I’ll be with you in a moment.’ Then go back to your daydream.”
However, you may prefer an app that guides you through your thoughts to help you release anxiety. Find relaxation or meditation apps that appeal to you and give them a try.
Change your position
Defining anxiousness: the struggle within. “Whatever you’re doing, do the opposite,” says clinical psychologist Debra Kissen, PhD, chief executive officer of Light On Anxiety CBT Treatment Centers in the Chicago area.
“If you’re hunched over with worry, stand up and take a Wonder Woman pose. If you’re under a blanket, go wash your face with cold water. Therefore, changing your sensory experience can ‘change the channel’ from anxiety.”
Put your anxiety on a schedule
By all means, pick a 15-minute window during the day to think about your anxieties.
“During that time, tell your brain to just go for it and let the anxious thoughts come,” Kissen says. “But when they arise outside that time, tell them ‘I’m willing to hear you, but come back tomorrow at 3 p.m.’”
If anxiety keeps you awake, get up
“If you’re lying in bed worrying about things for more than 5 minutes, get up and go to another room and write down your anxieties,” Kissen says. “Go back to bed when you’re tired, but get up again if you feel anxious. It might take a few nights of going back and forth, but this exercise can train your brain that your bed is for sleep, not for anxiety.”
Do I Need Treatment for Anxiousness?
Defining anxiousness: the struggle within.
Whether you need treatment for anxiousness depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, how they impact your daily life. Also, your overall mental health.
Here are some considerations to help you determine if treatment might be beneficial:
- Severity of Symptoms: Thus, if your anxiousness is intense, persistent, or overwhelming, it may be a sign that professional help is needed.
- Impact on Daily Life: If anxiety is interfering with your ability to work, maintain relationships, or engage in daily activities, seeking treatment can help you regain control.
- Physical Symptoms: Identically, if you experience physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or chronic fatigue related to anxiety, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional.
- Coping Strategies: If you find that self-help strategies (like deep breathing, exercise, or mindfulness) are not providing sufficient relief, it may be time to explore professional treatment options.
- Duration: Furthermore, if anxious feelings persist for an extended period (typically six months or more), it may be beneficial to seek help.
- Previous Experiences: If you have a history of anxiety or other mental health issues, consulting a professional can provide tailored strategies for management.
- Support System: Lastly, if you feel isolated or unsupported in managing your anxiety, a therapist or counselor can provide guidance and support.
If you decide to seek treatment, options may include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication, support groups, or lifestyle changes.
Sum It All Up
Defining anxiousness: the struggle within. So, you see it is normal to be anxious sometimes, but when it starts to affect you daily life, then you might want to be concerned.
Anxiety is nothing to play with when it affects your life. It’s has become so bad for me that I isolate in my room.
Really the only time I leave is to go to appointments. It’s kind of funny, today I saw a different dentist (whom I’ve never met) and I was fine…no anxiety what-so-ever.
Nonetheless, it all depends on how your brain perceives different situations. The first dentist is my normal dentist, yet I had lots of anxiety. I had a tooth pulled by him.
The second dentist, I had a root canal. I’ve had one other tooth pulled before, so I knew what to expect. But still, the anxiety was there. The brain works in mysterious ways.
I was somewhat anxious with the second dentist even though I’ve never met him. Therefore, I’m not even going to try to understand why I reacted like that. Until next time…
Articles About Anxiousness
-Why Am I Feeling Anxious for No Reason?
-Nervous vs. Anxious: What’s the Difference?
-Anxiety, fear and panic
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy
“One Voice In The Vastness Of Emotions”
“Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important.” —Natalie Goldberg
“I just give myself permission to suck…I find this hugely liberating.” —John Green
“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” —William S. Burroughs
“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.” —Deepak Chopra
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Anxiety In Teens and How To Help Them(Opens in a new browser tab)
Becoming A Psychiatric Patient(Opens in a new browser tab)
Where Does Social Anxiety Come From?(Opens in a new browser tab)
Surviving the Storm: Coping with Severe Anxiety(Opens in a new browser tab)
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