Confronting Your Anxiety by your therapist in Sugar Land

Anxiety, that persistent emotion that sneaks in when you least expect it, can feel overwhelming, debilitating, and scary. But it doesn't have to be the force that holds you back. You can confront it head-on and take charge of your life. Let’s delve into some fundamental strategies that empower you to bid farewell to anxiety and welcome your desired life.

Confront One of Your Fears

Think about one of your fears, such as public speaking, meeting new people, or making a career change, and ask yourself, “How is feeling anxious keeping me from the life I want?” Maybe the answer hits you like a ton of bricks: “I would find a new job,” or “I would paint more often.” Whatever it is, don’t just wait for the stars to align and for you to feel calm miraculously. Nope, that’s not how it works! Instead, take proactive steps right now. For instance, if your fear is public speaking, a baby step could be to join a public speaking club or practice in front of a mirror. If it's meeting new people, you could start by attending a social event or reaching out to a colleague. Chart out those baby steps, one at a time, that will lead you to a more fulfilling life.

Focus on Your Values Instead of Your Anxiety

Instead of telling yourself to just “be less anxious” (which, by the way, is telling your brain to focus on anxiety more), redirect that focus onto your values. This excellent TED Talk by Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist, is called How to Make Stress Your Friend. In this talk, she discusses how changing your stress mindset can make you healthier and happier.

It’s a game-changer! Picture this: how do you want people to remember you? Calmness is excellent, but maybe you want to be remembered as a loving mother, a loyal friend, or a hard worker. These are your values, the qualities that you hold dear and guide your actions. Make that your guiding light. Reflect on those fantastic qualities you value and let them steer your actions rather than getting bogged down by anxiety. If you're unsure about your values, you can start by reflecting on what's important to you, what you want to stand for, and what kind of person you want to be.

Seek a Different Perspective

Let’s talk about catastrophizing, a common cognitive distortion where your mind jumps to the worst-case scenario. That little voice tells you everything will unravel if you don’t get your act together. Ask yourself, what were you worried about last year? Odds are, the worst-case scenario didn’t come true, right? Journaling is a powerful tool here. Please write down your worries and then reflect on them. Acknowledge if you were getting worked up over nothing, see how you handled each situation, and note what you learned. This way, you’ll have a handbook with insights to reflect on the next time anxiety knocks on your door. Other strategies to overcome catastrophizing include mindfulness, reality testing, and seeking a second opinion.

Take Care of Yourself: You Deserve It

Here’s the deal: prioritize the basics. When was the last time you had a restful night’s sleep or enjoyed a nourishing meal? It’s all about balance – sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Develop a self-care plan that outlines exactly what you’ll do when anxiety takes over. Because having a reliable plan means you’ll feel more prepared to handle whatever comes your way.

So, there you have it! Start confronting your anxiety with these tips and witness how your life transforms. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.

Before you head to bed tonight, take a minute to jot down whatever’s bothering you. Think of it as your personal “what’s weighing me down” list. You may not realize it, but that endless stream of thoughts swirling around in your head is like a wrong date that won’t leave. It messes with your sleep, your focus, and honestly, your mood. Anahad O’Connor hit the nail on the head when he talked about the rise of “coronasomnia” during the pandemic. One of the best remedies is cognitive behavioral therapy, or C.B.T. So grab a piece of paper and write down your concerns. Seriously! And then, crumple that paper up and toss it in the trash. It’s like you’re saying, “Not tonight, stress!” This little ritual not only gives you a sense of control but can also help calm your overactive mind. Finally, don’t forget to give yourself a break, alright? We’re all in this together, and shaming yourself doesn’t get you anywhere. So ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” Sometimes, the answer is simply a well-deserved mental health day. You’ve got this!

You possess the strength and resilience to push through, so go out there and make it happen! You are stronger than you think.