How to Constructively Use Anxiety

Written By Colēgia

Finding ways to manage anxiety can often be challenging. It can often be a reaction to events or just a representation of our thoughts overall. Using our thoughts to help us is a core part of handling this. Thankfully there are ways to help manage these feelings which is why today we want to talk about how to constructively use anxiety.

Treat it Like a Friend

Anxiety is often treated as something that is unwanted since it usually comes with negative emotions. Finding ways to rethink this is crucial if we want to have a better relationship with anxiety. A helpful means of re-framing this is by treating anxiety like a close friend. This approach is good because it changes our mentality from it being something that we don't want to acknowledge to someone trying to look out for us. An example of this can be if we wind up overthinking how we performed on something. Rather than let it get to us, we can instead allow ourselves to accept these feelings when they arise. Acceptance and understanding are key parts of constructively using anxiety and the same methods we'd use when we're with someone we care about.

“Anxiety is often treated as something that is unwanted since it usually comes with negative emotions.”

Use it For Positive Action

Another great way to constructively use anxiety is by using it for positive action. This is often seen when we are thinking about something we need to do. Sometimes we may find ourselves in a position where we will need to decide what course of action to take. We can use anxiety as a means of being able to make more informed decisions. This can be one method of building self-awareness along with considering the different possibilities out there. We can also use it to help us work on things that are good for us. This can include things such as exercise, getting a good night's sleep, or even just eating food that sustains yourself. Knowing how anxiety can affect you is good since when used properly it can give you the courage to help focus on positivity.

“Another great way to constructively use anxiety is by using it for positive action.”

Let it Empower You

Anxiety can truly only affect us negatively when we let it. Instead we can focus on where it can empower us. Listening to anxiety is a similar feeling to meditation in that it can tell us more about our thoughts and feelings. Learning how to slow down our thoughts to focus on the here and now is one way to help curb our anxious thoughts. This is because when we feel anxious, we are usually thinking about all the possibilities of the future. The present moment can help us reframe these feelings in a manner that lets us cherish where we are now. An attitude of gratitude allows us to see all the good things we have along with empowering ourselves. Anxiety is similar to any other thought, it can help guide us towards the right choices. Learning how to be patient with our thoughts and kind to ourselves is one of the best methods of managing this.

Colēgia

Colēgia

Previous

Handling Expectations
Next

How to be More Consistent