The #1 Anxiety Strategy when Nothing Else Worked!
- Dr. Katie
- Oct 9, 2018
- 2 min read
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For decades, I tried to battle through my anxiety. I tried countless things: SSRIs, exercise, breathing, meditation, yoga, supplements, avoiding triggers, reading the latest research, etc. None of those things worked. But that was because I wasn't working on my mindset or how I was thought about my anxiety. I had literally tried everything BUT trying to change the way I thought. It was clear none of these approaches were going to help me until I was able to get my head right first.
Your mind is an amazing thing and it's definitely stronger than you think it is. You have to believe that it is. I'm about to tell you about a powerful technique that is derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Have you ever heard of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Also known as CBT, it is a form of psychotherapy that is designed to address dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It's a very cool, practical approach that is designed to create fast results. With nothing else worked, THIS did!
Ok....so here it is:
When you start to feel anxious, panicky, or overwhelmed. STOP and process what is happening. First, label what you are feeling. Here are few examples: "This is just my anxiety again." "This is my body's panic response acting up again." "This is me feeling overwhelmed." "This is my worry habit." "This is my compulsion."
Next, you must devalue the thought and really tell it off by discrediting it. "I am totally exaggerating right now." "These fears have never come true before." "I have always been able to handle what has been thrown my way before." "If something like this did happen, I know I can handle it." "I don't have the time or energy to waste on this thought."
Last, and most important, refocus your attention onto something else. This isn't a distraction, rather a shift in focus. Focus on your breathing. Be in the present moment by taking an account of what is going on around you. Think about a pleasant memory. The more active the new activity, the better. The majority of your time should be spent on this step, not #1 or #2.
By using this method, you are rewiring your mind and body's automatic responses and replacing them with more rational ones. Your new responses will become automatic as you practice this method over time.
Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!
Also, if you haven't done so already, be sure to download your free copy of the Anxious Mama's Guide to Living a More Balanced Life!
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