Anxiety is a natural feeling that permeates our lives at various points, serving as an indicator of big events and challenges on the horizon. Despite its prevalence, anxiety often elicits fear and discomfort, leading us to see it as an enemy to fight against. However, by reframing our mindset and embracing anxiety, we can find ways to lessen its impact and allow it to fade away on its own. In this article, I will discuss how to reduce anxiety, how to stop an anxiety attack, manage anxious thoughts, and ultimately create a healthier relationship with anxiety.
At the end of the day, anxiety is not our enemy but a natural part of being human. It’s like the alarm clock that wakes us up in the morning, signaling that major experiences lie ahead. By accepting anxiety as a normal feeling instead of fearing it, we can remove the stigma and see it as a tool for personal growth and preparation. I’m often asked – how to stop anxiety, how to stop anxiety thoughts, how to stop anxiety attacks and I always have a single response – simply refrain from responding to them, and they will eventually fade away by themselves. By abstaining from entertaining them and feeding them attention, they will lose their grip!
Below are some practical suggestions to assist you when anxiety feels overwhelming:
- Let It Run Its Course:
Rather than fighting against anxiety, try allowing it to run its course. Just as a wave in the ocean eventually subsides, anxiety will naturally diminish over time. By understanding that anxiety is a temporary internal reaction, we can lessen its intensity and give it the space it needs to fade away.
- Reframe Your Mindset:
Instead of associating anxiety with negativity, view it as a friend preparing you for greatness. Embrace anxiety as an indicator that exciting challenges lie ahead, and recognise that it provides the extra boost of adrenaline needed for peak performance.
- Recognise and Observe:
When anxious thoughts arise, avoid trying to suppress or control them. Instead, consciously acknowledge and observe them without judgment. By recognising these thoughts as passing mental events, you regain control over how you respond to them. Once you have recognised anxious thoughts, refocus your attention on the present moment. Engaging in activities such as deep breathing exercises, mindful meditation, or engaging in a hobby can redirect your mind away from anxiety towards more positive and constructive thoughts.
- Deep Breathing Techniques:
During an anxiety attack, focusing on your breath can help regulate your body’s stress response. Practice deep breathing exercises by taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose, holding briefly, and exhaling through your mouth. This helps calm your nervous system and reduces the intensity of the attack. For more calming exercises check out this article – Get Your Calm On
- Grounding Techniques:
To bring yourself back to the present during an anxiety attack, utilise grounding techniques. Engage your senses by noticing five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This exercise reconnects you with the present moment and distracts from anxious thoughts.
- Seek Support:
Remember that you don’t have to face anxiety alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional who can provide support and guidance. They can offer coping strategies and help you navigate through challenging times.
Last words…
Anxiety is a natural part of life that often triggers fear and attempts to control it. However, by embracing anxiety and allowing it to run its course, we can develop a healthier relationship with this common feeling. Rather than perceiving anxiety as a threat, view it as a friend preparing you for extraordinary experiences. Reframing your mindset, managing anxious thoughts, and utilising techniques to stop anxiety attacks are all powerful tools in finding relief and achieving a greater sense of well-being. Embrace the ride, knowing that anxiety’s grip will fade, leaving you stronger and ready to conquer whatever lies ahead.
If you need further assistance in reducing stress and anxiety – check out my “Relax & Release Worries” hypnosis service during which I can help you to feel calmer and worry less in life. To find out more – click this link Relax and Release Worries
I’m a clinical hypnotherapist with over 15 years experience, and to date I have helped over 100 clients from Poole, Bournemouth, Southampton, Bath, London, Bristol, the United States, and as far afield as New Zealand in reaching their goals. Regardless of where you reside, I am fully equipped to assist you in the same manner so do get in touch if you need my hypnosis help too. Here is the link to my website www.alexsaxton.com and here is the link to my calendar if you would like to book a consultation wwww.alexsaxtoncalendar.as.me
