Breaking Free from Anxiety: Strategies for Coping and Reversing the Cycle
Feeling anxious when you are very nervous can be a scary experience. It is important to understand that the way to calm it down is by not fueling it, and by understanding the underlying triggers that cause you to feel uncomfortable.
The Chemistry of Anxiety
"Feel an anxiety attack coming
What you are experiencing is a natural chemical reaction in your body. Something, either known or unknown to you, has caused an uncomfortable sensation, and your body has prepared you for a fight or flight response. Your senses are heightened to enable quick reaction to external threats. When there is no external threat, your heightened senses can turn inward, leading to increased awareness of your breath, heart rate, body temperature, and mouth moisture. These sensations can be alarming and lead to panic, as you feel a sense of impending doom.
Effective Coping Strategies
"How can I stop it/calm down?"
It is important to understand that you cannot immediately reverse the chemicals already present in your blood. Trying to "sober up" at the drop of a hat, if you were previously intoxicated, is not possible because the alcohol remains in your system. Similarly, the chemicals responsible for anxiety will dissipate over time. Instead, focus your energy on not exacerbating the situation.
When you panic, you inadvertently add more chemicals to your bloodstream. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid fueling the fire. Instead, concentrate on distractions to keep your mind occupied and prevent the escalation of your symptoms.
The Power of Knowledge and Acceptance
To manage your anxiety effectively, arm yourself with knowledge. Understanding that the sensation will fade can help empower you.
Accept the situation and take control. You can do this by focusing on small, mundane tasks that can occupy your mind. For instance, looking at a clock and timing the episode can help you recognize the natural progression of anxiety. Engaging in repetitive, uninteresting activities will keep your mind occupied and help reduce the processing of additional stress.
Building Confidence Over Time
As you continue to cope with anxiety in this manner, your brain will begin to recognize the pattern. Each time you handle anxiety without panicking, your subconscious tells your brain that you are safe. As a result, your body will release fewer chemicals in response, and the duration of your anxiety attacks will shorten.
Over time, you will find that the fear of anxiety itself diminishes. You may come to a point where you no longer fear the unknown. Embrace the peace in your mind as you overcome your anxiety. It is a beautiful sensation to experience inner calmness and security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the chemistry of anxiety and the coping strategies can significantly help in managing it. By not fueling the fire and focusing on acceptance and distraction, you can break the cycle of anxiety and achieve a more peaceful state of mind.
Good luck on your journey to overcoming anxiety.