As adults, it is intriguing to observe how anxiety manifests itself in our lives, often taking on a metaphorical nature. In many cases, anxiety is predominantly a mental phenomenon, with physical manifestations occurring less frequently. Nonetheless, it can feel as if anxiety dominates our thoughts and emotions at times, causing us to question the extent to which it impacts our daily lives. Is anxiety truly ever-present, or does it only appear to be so? When seeking to distinguish between anxiety and fear, it is essential to understand the nuances that set these two emotions apart.

Anxiety is typically characterized by feelings of uneasiness, nervousness, or worry about uncertain outcomes or potential threats, whereas fear is a response to an immediate, known, or perceived danger. Although these emotions share similarities, identifying the specific contexts, triggers, and characteristics of each can help us recognize their unique nature and better understand their impact on our lives. By doing so, we can develop a more comprehensive awareness of our emotional landscape, allowing us to address and manage these feelings more effectively.

Types of Anxiety

• Generalized Anxiety
• Social Anxiety
• OCD
• PTSD
• Panic Disorders

Upon reflecting on the numerous challenges society has faced in recent times to preserve its foundational structure and prevent a total collapse, it is not surprising that such circumstances can evoke feelings of unease and apprehension. Many individuals may not have been aware that they were living in a perpetual state of anxiety until they sought professional help and ultimately found relief. It appears that, for some, existing in a constant state of anxiety has become the norm. But why is this the case?

In the aftermath of a global pandemic, it is understandable that anxiety levels have soared. In many instances, individuals already grappling with pre-existing anxiety or depression issues found their conditions exacerbated by the pandemic’s impact. The uncertainty, isolation, and rapid changes brought on by this unprecedented event have contributed to a pervasive sense of anxiety in our society.

If you suspect that you may be experiencing anxiety, consider whether you have encountered any of the following symptoms for an extended period:

Symptoms of Anxiety

• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Extremely anxious states of mind 
• Panic attacks; trembling, dizziness, 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Sweating, 
• Feeling hot or cold 
• Numbness in our muscles

When you experience anxiety, it can be evasive.  You have heard of sweating palms and tightness in the chest.   What adds to the layer of dread to anxiety is that if we are having a panic attack, we are thinking about said act, thus building up the tension like a snowball collecting drift, careening down the mountain. Take a moment now to consider if you have avoided people or situations lately? Avoidance behavior is usually attributed to anxiety.  Anxiety creates a state of mind that is as fragile as fine china.  It’s palpable the tension that grabs you when you find yourself in a situation that you cannot avoid.  

Useful Tips

This helps general anxiety.  It is good to know as much as we can. Ideally, this is supplemental to a therapist or a counseling session, but it is useful in certain conditions:

• Change the environment, go for a walk
• Concentrate on your breath, slowly
• Say the alphabet from Z to A
• If you prefer numbers, count from 100 to 1
• Call a close contact
• Be mindful of your triggers
• Watch a funny movie
• Recognize that states of mind are not permanent
• Mindfulness meditation 

I wanted to mention that the foundation of all good health is what we put in our body.  Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.  I recall the ayurvedic quote:  When the body is sick, medicine is of no use…when the body is well, there is no need for medicine. What we put into our body correlates with our output of how we feel and our state of mind.  For some people, life moves too fast to concentrate on our state of mind.  How can you when you have work, family, school, kids, friends, social life, etc.  

Being mindful can tell us a lot about ourselves.  What triggers our moments of uneasiness?  How is it that I feel confident, but physiologically my hands are sweating and my heart is racing?

Meditation is an avenue of wellness that has been around for centuries. When you begin that practice, you get a psychological cheat code so to speak.  If we are aware of what triggers us, then it adds value to our understanding of oneself. It was difficult for me to practice meditation when I had moments of anxiety and tension.  What I am drawn to is walking meditation.  That’s just another way of saying mindful walking.  I find I benefit from walking meditation much more.  Which is paradoxical because the body is in motion.  However, when you tune into the mind, thoughts become passing clouds in the horizon of your consciousness.  Some clouds linger longer, others do not.  The next time it feels all too much, take a walk please, for your health.

Since avoidant behavior correlates with anxiety, some consequences of not dealing with anxiety will cause:

• Breathing rates and pulse rise – fight or flight response in your body
• Weakened immune system
• Low libido, general malaise and melancholy
• Lingering sadness and stress
• Digestive issues

We need our immune system more than ever as we go into the autumn and winter season.  Another effect of anxiety is that it weakens the immune system.  It is not only emotionally taxing but physically as well.  Studies have shown extended anxiety creates a risk of getting sick more often and acquiring viral infections.

I am not sure if it is age or it’s a reflection of our society, but nowhere else can you feel the anxiety then rush hour traffic in the city of your choice.   You can see it in the way people drive.  It’s not a surprise that road rage incidents have gone up tremendously the past year.  It does make sense that if we bottle feelings then it gets projected and played through different areas of our lives.  Having it play out on the road is terrible but a great indicator of your current state of mind.  It is challenging to maintain homeostasis when someone is flipping the bird at you and cursing obscenities that would make a construction worker blush.   We try our best though to live a positive life, never sacrificing compassion, being honest in our emotions but never letting anger or hate hold space in our heart.   

What now?

Schedule an appointment with Us today.  The benefits of modern health have made it where you do not have to go it alone.  We wish you good health.