Anxiety is the body's normal response to danger. But when it shows up often and without a clear reason, it starts to get in the way of daily life.
Body signals
- A racing heart or shortness of breath
- Tense muscles, especially shoulders and jaw
- An upset stomach or poor sleep
Thought signals
- Repeating "what if..." thoughts
- Imagining the worst-case scenario
- Finding it hard to concentrate
A simple exercise
When anxiety rises, breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 and breathe out for 6. Repeating this five times tells your body it is safe to relax.
If anxiety has been getting in your way for a long time, talking to a psychologist can help.
