Break free from worry & anxiety (Part 1)

Worry and anxiety are so common because we’re hard-wired to notice (and therefore avoid) danger. That’s our number one survival mechanism. 

We let worrisome or anxious thoughts run through our minds, because on some level, it seems like a productive way to spend our mental energy. As if we’re problem-solving when we’re contemplating a worst-case future scenario. But in fact, studies show the opposite is true. Worry can quite literally cut us off from our problem-solving ability as it impairs our cognitive functioning.

This isn’t surprising to me, since the problem-solving area of our brain is in a different place than our emotional processing (which is activated when we’re anxious or worried). These two areas are in fact in opposition, competing for resources as they’re active. So if our anxiety, worry, or fear are running the show, there is less rational, calm, thoughtful reflection going on.

Another way of seeing it is, when our worrisome inner self (or part of our psyche) has taken us over, we’re not in our aware central place, from where we have access to a calmer, bigger picture view of our situation, and can come to more thoughtful conclusions, making wiser choices. 

That’s how our psyche often operates - when one part is in charge fully, the other perspectives are pushed out. What is required is that we reclaim our central, aware position.

The first step is to catch ourselves and name what is going on. If we catch ourselves running on anxiety, it helps to say “hm, I’m noticing anxiety is present” or something along those lines.

This creates space between you and the anxiety.

Neurologically, when you notice and label the anxiety, the activity in your brain moves from the emotional processing centre (the limbic system) to the wiser, more rational part responsible for higher brain functions that make us distinctly human (the prefrontal cortex, responsible for the executive functions of the brain).

Or in a psychological view, when you name the anxiety, you name the part that has taken over. That means you can see it, and you are not 100% identified with it. You step into the position of the mindful observer.

This is the first step, which already provides some relief and gives you back some of your problem-solving capacity.

There is more you can do, beyond noticing and naming, however, and I’ll share that in a future post (read Part 2 here).

Let me know if this is useful to you, if you struggle with worry or anxiety sometimes (or often), and what you’d like to know about it.

I’m creating more content to support you and others who would like to improve their skills in managing and reducing anxiety in their lives.

It simply takes too much from us, keeping us playing smaller than we are. I want us all to reclaim our creative spark and a grounded, joyful experience of life!

Wishing you well,

Mojca
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