Is your anxiety holding you back?

I suffer from anxiety. It peaks when I feel out of control. This means that I try to be in control as much as I can. This has been helpful in my personal and professional career but at times, like now, in the middle of a pandemic, it is problematic. I can’t control if, and when, I might fall unwell, the impact on my loved ones and the severity of the impact on my business. This could freak me out! In the last week I have had clients, friends, family and colleagues tell me about their mounting levels of anxiety. I relate to sleepless nights, an inability to focus on any one task, forgetfulness, overwhelm, panic and feeling frightened.

How can you make sense of what is going on in your mind?

How would it feel if you knew you could have more control? When we are under huge stress we go into survival mode. Our brains are no longer working competently and this means it can’t access the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of our brain that allows us to plan, or to reflect on our experiences, knowledge and expertise. Under stress we can’t access this part and therefore can’t do these things.

Another part of our brain, the amygdala, assesses the level of threat we feel. Back in caveman days this might be the fear of being attacked but today it will be the threat of catching Covid-19 or being unable to avoid critical business decisions. 

How does the control freak in me cope with such uncertainty?

We can’t control every aspect of life. That is unrealistic. But there are ways of feeling more in control but it starts with a shift in how we see things. If we believe that we have no power to change or influence we are going to feel more stuck. If we raise our awareness of our unhelpful thinking this enables us to stand back from the thoughts and separate ourselves from them – this gives us a feeling of empowerment. Lean away rather than into the inner dialogue. Don’t be drawn into the spiral. 

Here are some tips to help you:

1. Notice when your inner voice gets louder or more persistent. This can help help you manage anxiety before it spirals
2. It might feel uncomfortable at first but challenging your inner voice is really helpful. Find your more helpful inner voice and tell your unhelpful voice to do one!
3. It can be challenging at first but with focus we can find a more positive way of viewing the situation. What opportunities does it create?
4. Remember that physical wellbeing is just as important as mental wellbeing in managing anxiety. It produces endorphins which will make you feel better. Get out in the garden or put some of your favourite tunes on and have a dance around the kitchen!
5. Use the energy you have and put it to good use. It will create more energy, motivation and less worry.

Remember how powerful talking and being heard can be? This is why coaching is so effective. When we say it our worries out loud we no longer have to hold them all alone. This is an anxious and uncertain time for us all. With this in mind, I have opened up a 5 free 30-minute sessions so you can voice your concerns outloud and in a safe space. If you would like to chat, please book your free conversation here https://bit.ly/2WDAhCC

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