Understanding Anxiety: What It Is and Why It Happens

You're lying in bed, exhausted -- but your mind won't stop racing.

Oh no, not this again

You replay conversations. You image worst-case scenarios.

Or maybe your heart suddenly pounds in the grocery store, your palms sweat, and you feel like you need to escape immediately.

Can you relate? If so, you're not alone

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges humans experience. While anxiety can be a helpful and a normal part of being human as it is a protective mechanism, persistent or overwhelming anxiety can interfere with daily life.

What Anxiety Can Feel Like

Anxiety doesn't just live in your thoughts, it's a whole body experience.

Emotional

• Excessive or uncontrollable worry

• Irritability

• Feeling "on edge"

• Fear that something bad may happen

Physical

• Upset stomach

• Racing or pounding heart

• Fatigue

• Trouble sleeping

Cognitive

• Overthinking

• Difficulty concentrating

• "what if" thoughts

Your nervous system is reacting as if there's danger, even when you're safe.

Why Anxiety Happens

Anxiety can be related to many different factors, including:

• Biological: genetics and family history

• Life Events: major life transitions or stressful life events

• Trauma

• High expectations or perfectionism

• Burnout

Remember, that at it's core, anxiety is your body trying to protect you. The problem is that sometimes that part of you is working too hard.

Two Ways To Start To Manage Anxiety

Learning how to manage anxiety so it doesn't run your life can be incredibly helpful to start living the life you want and deserve. There are several ways to manage anxiety.

Here are two quick calming strategies:

1. 5-4-3-2-1: Notice 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste

2. Box Breathing: Inhale 4 counts > Hold 4 counts > Exhale 4 counts > Pause 4 counts, repeat

Try it out: Choose one of these strategies and see what you notice!

Ready to learn more and start living the life you want?

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