The Gift of Anxiety

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Aaron Dutil, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Anxiety is probably the most written about topic in terms of self-help on the internet. Everyone wants to know the secret to getting rid of it.

The amount of people currently prescribed medication to alter their anxious state is staggering. However, as someone who has both worked with people “suffering” from it and experiencing it myself, anxiety carries certain potential benefits. Most people who have it would probably find that statement incredulous but it is true.

Humans evolved anxious feelings to keep themselves safe. In a more primitive world, danger lurked around every corner. People had to stay on their toes in order to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. We now live in a much safer world but our internal wiring hasn’t caught up to modern times. The amygdala in your brain cannot distinguish a physical threat from a psychological one.

So if one truly isn’t in danger most of the time, how is anxiety a useful gift?

I believe anxiety can used as a means to develop your psychological resilience, your ability to adapt and overcome adversity in life. Think of anxiety as warning light that goes off in your mind, something that needs attention too right now…not later…not next month…right now. Unfortunately, since anxious feelings are uncomfortable, people try to avoid them or numb themselves.

When anxiety happens…don’t try to avoid or ignore it. Instead, do the opposite…be mindful. By staying in the present moment when experiencing it, you can use it. Ask yourself some fundamental personal development questions, such as “how can I use this feeling to make myself stronger?” or “is this really the worst thing that has ever happened to me?” In your mind, picture your anxiety as constant incoming waves and you as a surfer, ride those waves until the water is eventually calm again.

Anxiety is nothing more than feeling, no matter how uncomfortable it may make you feel. Use it as a catalyst for personal growth, rather than something which has to be removed at all costs. If you need help in using your anxiety to improve yourself, contact me today.