Uncovering Anxiety's Inherent Strengths

Anxiety can suck.

I think we can all agree on that statement. Anxiety's unhelpful symptoms are present, relentless, and in our faces. It can feel all-encompassing.

The strengths that anxiety lends itself to are often overlooked because we're so focused on moving away from what feels uncomfortable.

I'm not suggesting throwing self-calming skills to the wayside in favor of focusing on the positives. That would not prove to be very helpful.

Instead, I'm suggesting we take a look at the whole of anxiety. Let's not throw it out completely. Instead, how about we keep what works for us and actively rein in the parts that don't?

Below are a few ways anxiety shows up in our lives to both enrich and limit.

Motivation vs. Inaction

A healthy amount of anxiety can create motivation. For instance, that time in school where you studied really hard to pass the test, or that time at work where you powered through to meet that critical deadline.

On the other hand, too much anxiety can create avoidance or inaction. We become over-stimulated, overwhelmed, and confused. There's a saying that the confused mind says no, and so we power down as a way to move away from the uncomfortable feelings.

Alertness vs. Worse Case Scenario on Repeat

People who identify as being anxious are typically more alert. An overabundance of alertness can lead to mulling over worst-case scenarios over and over in your head to the point of limiting interactions.

Being alert, in general, however, has its advantages in that you may be better prepared to handle a threat. Having a brain that's wired to seek out and avoid risks does inherently keep you out of harm's way.

You care what other people think.

Caring about what other people think is both positive and limiting. Anxiety has a way of zeroing in on fears we may have about being judged, being liked, or looking dumb in front of others. This way of thinking can grossly limit our interactions with others, creating isolation.

The positive side of social anxiety and caring what other people think is that you're typically more tuned into other people's emotions, making you more empathetic and an all-around good friend.

You're creative

Sure, you may not be able to draw, paint, or compose a musical score. But come on. Think about it. Your mind can come up with some amazingly creative thoughts. If you take a moment to recall preparing for a worst-case scenario situation, I bet you'll remember movie-like quality creativity for events or circumstances that never took place.

The downside to being creative is that it can sometimes spin out of control. When we become hooked on a thought, we begin to believe that it is our reality. Instead of watching this movie of thoughts we've created from the audience's perspective, we become an actor in the film.

You're probably wondering how I work on the parts of anxiety that aren't serving me. It all begins with creating distance between your thoughts and yourself. Like the movie example above, the goal is to be a spectator.

Here's one exercise to help

When, not if, you start to have thoughts, consider if it's helpful or not helpful. If it's useful, let it be.

If the thought is unhelpful, imagine you're in a forest. Now, take a deep breath in. Then, exhale with an over-exaggerated sigh.

The leaves on the trees are starting to change colors, and the air is beginning to become crisp. As you walk along the worn path of the forest floor, you begin to hear the sound of running water. You follow the burbling to a wooden bridge that crosses the creek, where the water is leisurely meandering through the forest.

You notice leaves from the trees have gathered in the stream and flow effortlessly wherever the water is taking them.

On these leaves, you begin to place your unhelpful thoughts. Thoughts about being judged, being liked, looking dumb, the thoughts you toss around and around in your head without resolve. One by one, the leaves with your unhelpful thoughts begin to flow down the stream. You allow them to flow.

Watch them until they are out of sight. Notice that these thoughts are not who you are; instead, they appear to inform you. You are empowered to let those thoughts go downstream that no longer serve you or are no longer helpful.

Whenever you're ready, take a deep breath in and sigh it out. Then, return from the forest to go about your day, knowing that you can always go back to this place at any point in your day.

Take care