Anxiety is a Struggle. And the Struggle is Real.
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. Stress and worry dissipate once the reason for that it is removed. Anxiety lingers, it hangs around and creates an insidious, ever-present layer of fear that affects millions of people all over the world.
Studies suggest that nearly one in five people will experience some form of anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. If you haven’t experienced anxiety yourself, it’s likely that you know one or more people who have, or does.
Most of us will have feelings of anxiety at some point in our life. Maybe it’s feeling anxious about an exam, a job interview, a medical test. At times like these feeling anxious is perfectly normal.
Anxiety is the main symptom of certain conditions, such as PTSD or a phobia. Generalised anxiety disorder is a long-term condition that causes feelings of anxiety about a whole range of issues or situations, rather than one specific event.
The impact of anxiety
Anxiety disorders show up in various ways. Some are very common, others are less so, but all can severely disrupt daily life. At work, anxiety might manifest as procrastination or a paralysis in decision-making. In relationships, it can lead to withdrawal or overly dependent behaviours. Less commonly, anxiety can trigger physical issues, such as persistent digestive issues or chronic fatigue. In short, anxiety affects our wellbeing.
Anxiety affects daily life
Anxiety can significantly impair job performance by hindering concentration and effective communication. On a daily basis, anxiety might cause us to avoid routine activities that might seem mundane to others but overwhelming to those affected. In personal relationships, it might show up as escalating minor disputes into major conflicts, affecting intimacy and trust.
Stress versus anxiety
It’s important to note that stress and anxiety are not synonymous. Stress typically refers to a response to an external challenge and subsides once the situation is resolved. Anxiety, however, is more pervasive and often does not have a clear or immediate external trigger. It is a sustained mental health issue that can grow worse over time, often requiring more dedicated management strategies.
Traditional treatments for anxiety
Common approaches to managing anxiety include psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which targets negative thought patterns, and medication such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. However, these medications can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone as a long-term solution.
Complementary ways to manage anxiety
Reiki can offer profound relief from anxiety. As a complementary therapy, it helps to promote peace and relaxation, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and create a sense of calm.
Hypnosis is another valuable complementary therapy. In a state of focused attention, hypnosis helps calm the nervous system, reduce the severity of anxiety triggers, and foster a new sense of personal control and resilience.
Simple self-hypnosis
To manage moments of anxiety, try this simple self-hypnosis/visualisation technique:
1. Find a quiet space: Sit or lie down where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Deep breathing: Close your eyes and breathe deeply three times, slowly inhaling, holding briefly, and exhaling.
3. Visualise peace: Picture yourself in a peaceful place. Focus on the details. Notice the sounds, the smells, and the sensations.
4. Affirm positivity: Silently repeat to yourself: “I am calm, I am safe, I release all worry.”
5. Repeat three times and then focus on the peaceful place again. Notice the sounds, the smells, and the sensations.
6. When you’re ready, gently open your eyes, feeling more grounded, more centred and more peaceful.
This technique is a practical start to managing anxiety and can be a part of your daily routine. As with anything in life, practice really does make perfect.
Need Personalised Help with Anxiety?
If you find that anxiety is becoming a barrier to living a happy and fulfilling life, and you’d like to explore more personalised strategies, please reach out. A quick chat with me could change your life.
Contact me today to begin your journey to reclaim your peace of mind and live a life free from the grip of anxiety.
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