Anxiety.
What comes to mind when you hear the word? How would you conceptualize it?
I think of it as a little friend that is on our shoulder that says, "what if...?"
Anxiety in itself is actually not a bad thing.
It actually encourages us to do things.
For example, because I don't want to fail my test, I study.
I don't want to be fired, so I get up at an appropriate time so I can get to work on time.
But like anything, too much of anything can be a bad thing!
So...
it is about finding out what the appropriate amount of anxiety is for us.
How can we find the balance?
First, stop blaming ourself for feeling anxious.
remind yourself that it is ok and normal to feel anxiety!
Remember, anxiety is not a bad thing!
Second, think of what CAN you control about the anxiety inducing situation? What can you NOT control? try to shift your focus on what you can control.
Third, ground yourself. Feelings come and go- you for this. see what you can control and work on that.
For example, we can't control if the test is going to be super hard or not... but we can control if we are going to study, go to take that test, and what we do before, during and after that test. Will we be asleep during the test? I hope not but that is our choice!
Until next time, for now, let's jump into this week's Therapist Mama Bear tip!
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