Anxiety Happens
Anxiety tends to be a future-oriented state of mind, so when you’re trying to calm yourself, it’s important to reel yourself back into the present tense.
This can be difficult, because as humans, we’re designed to be on high alert for danger, and with information coming at us from all directions and at high speeds, this adaptation is starting to work against us.
Sometimes it can feel as though anxiety protects us from what COULD happen, which is valid to an extent – but to what effect?
Letting anxious thoughts take control within our minds is like walking around every day with an umbrella waiting for it to rain – is it worth it?
The next time you find yourself spiraling into a tornado of anxious thoughts, try the 3-3-3 rule. Look around you and name three things you see. Then, name three things you hear. Finally, move three parts of your body. This trick can help center your mind and bring you back to the present moment when your brain is running a million miles a minute.