Feelings of anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or uncertainty, characterised by feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness. It's the body's way of reacting to perceived threats or challenges but it can be helpful in situations that require you to be alert or take action. Anxiety can be triggered by many factors including stress, genetics, life events or medical conditions, however, it can be treated through lifestyle changes, therapy, medication or a combination
of these.
Understanding and minimising impacts of anxiety
Identify Triggers
What situations or times tend to make you feel anxious? By recognising these patterns, you may be able to address the triggers and respond more effectively in the future.
Try New Approaches
Facing anxiety can be uncomfortable at first but confronting it can help you regain control and improve how you feel in the long run. Planning to slowly tackle the things you usually avoid can show you that it’s possible to still enjoy these activities, and that anxious feelings will eventually subside.
Gradual Exposure
Taking small steps toward doing something you’ve been avoiding can be an effective way to manage discomfort. Over time, you’ll build confidence and reduce anxiety.
Reducing Safety Behaviours
If you rely on safety behaviours to cope with anxiety, try listing them in order of importance. Gradually let go of the least essential ones, working your way up at a pace that feels manageable. This approach can help you slowly overcome your anxiety.
Quick steps to reduce feelings of anxiety
Acknowledge what’s happening: Acknowledging what’s happening means recognising and accepting your anxiety without judgment. Instead of avoiding it, you notice what you’re feeling and thinking in the moment. This awareness helps you respond thoughtfully, rather than reacting impulsively.
Take deep, calming breaths: Take deep, calming breaths to help centre yourself. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale gently through your mouth. Repeat this process to calm your mind and body.
Have compassion for yourself and what you are going through: Having compassion for yourself means acknowledging your struggles without self-criticism. It’s about recognising that it’s okay to feel anxious and treating yourself with kindness and understanding during difficult moments. Be gentle with yourself, just as you would with a friend.
Focus on reducing your symptoms and reconnecting to yourself: Focus on calming your symptoms and grounding yourself in the present moment. Take small steps to reconnect with what feels right for you, whether it’s through breathing, relaxation, or self-care. This helps restore a sense of balance and control.
Take action to reconnect with yourself: Take small, intentional steps to reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s through a calming activity, a favourite hobby, or simply taking a moment for mindfulness, these actions can help you feel more centred and grounded.
Is there a conversation you’ve been putting off? While time can change a lot, sometimes just a few minutes of honest talk can make a huge difference. Let’s have that conversation.
Start the conversation with our Resilience Officer here.