When you are Anxious...

By Oluwatomi Peters,        

Psychotherapist 

When you're anxious, don't immediately try to eliminate the feeling.

• First, notice it.

• Notice the tightness in your chest.

• Notice your racing thoughts.

• Notice the tension in your body.

Then name it.

• "I'm feeling anxious right now."

• "I'm overwhelmed."

• "Something feels unsafe, even though I may not actually be in danger."

Then breathe.

Take a slow breath. You don't have to force yourself to feel completely calm. Just give your nervous system a moment to slow down.

And then ask yourself:

"What do I actually need right now?"

• Do I need to step away for a moment?

• Do I need reassurance?

• Do I need rest?

• Do I need to talk to someone?

• Do I need to solve a problem or am I simply afraid of what might happen?

Anxiety can make you feel like you need to do something immediately.

But sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do is pause long enough to understand what your mind and body are trying to tell you.

You don't have to fight every uncomfortable feeling.

Notice it. Name it. Breathe through it. Then choose your next step.

And remember: feeling anxious doesn't mean you're in danger. A feeling is real, but it isn't always a prediction of what will happen.