Anxiety is often seen as a “dirty” emotion.
We look at it as a psychological detriment that is hindering us in life. And while I’m certainly not saying it isn’t a real problem in our society; what if I told you there was a better, more empowering way to look at anxiety? Anxiety is an emotional warning signal, and so many of us are trying to get rid of it—we think it’s wrong to feel anxious.
But having anxiety is actually a gift.
Let me explain…
A Better Way To View Anxiety
Imagine going for a run.
You’re enjoying the sights of the stunning scenery, the feeling of the warm wind whisks through your hair, and suddenly, you take an incorrect step, which results in you twisting your ankle. What are you going to do? Are you going to keep running?
No! Because your physical warning signal is telling you that something is wrong.
The solution? You need to listen to it by sitting down and resting. Everyone knows this is the proper response to this hypothetical circumstance. But for some reason, emotional warning signals (like anxiety) aren’t given the same consideration.
Instead, they are brushed off and swept under the rug…
We think, “No, no, no, I just gotta push through and keep going.” But the same thing can happen if you don’t listen to your emotional warning signal just like if you twisted your ankle—it will turn into an injury if you keep going.
It’s the same thing with anxiety. It’s going to turn pathological; it’s going to turn into something that might need medication.
How To Manage Your Anxiety
With the above example in mind, you’re now aware of a healthier way to view anxiety. And the best way to manage it? Listen to your “warning signal” of anxiety in its early stages. Figure out what it’s trying to tell you. Anxiety can have many messages, some of which may include:
- Unresolved traumas or conflicts
- Medical condition requiring expert support
- Unsafe environment where you feel threatened (emotionally and/or physically)
You’ll take proper actions when you start seeing anxiety for what it really is: An emotional siren. There are numerous things you can do to alleviate your anxious feelings. However, the best thing to do is to simply remove yourself from the person, stimuli, or environment that’s causing your anxiety.
Next Step: Join Our Welcoming Tribe At Flourishing
One of the best things you can do for your anxiety is get around people who welcome and celebrate you. The stormy clouds of anxiety will clear much faster when you’re surrounded by the right people. And here at Certified Flourishing Coach, we want to help be the sunshine that clears those overcast anxiety-riddled days. We are a team of people-centred coaches and facilitators.
And what’s more, our evidence-based approach to the science of flourishing is proven to help you in everything from sales and leadership to personal and professional development. So, if you’re ready, contact us today to learn more.
About the Author
Connie Jakab has been working in resilience and flourishing for over 20 years. Starting with youth at risk and gangs in East Vancouver, Connie has been researching how community creates resilience and mental wellness her entire career through a sociological lens. Connie is the Director of Community Engagement for the Certified Flourishing Coaching™, and is excited to facilitate our trainings in Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria, B.C.