How to cope with anxiety.

Anxiety shows up for so many of us, sometimes it’s a constant buzz in the background, and other times it crashes in like a wave out of nowhere. From my own experience and from working with clients, I’ve come to realise that anxiety isn’t something we just “fix” or turn off. But we can find gentler ways to live with it. Bit by bit, we can take away some of its power and feel more in control again.

Here’s what I’ve found helpful in my own life and in the therapy room.

When anxiety kicks in, our minds can go into overdrive, thoughts racing, worries piling up. But often, it’s our bodies that feel it first: a tight chest, shallow breathing, clenched jaw. Before trying to untangle the thoughts, I’ve found it really helps to start with the breath. A simple technique I often come back to is breathing in for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling slowly for six. Doing this a few times can send a calming signal to your nervous system a reminder that you’re safe. It’s a small step, but it can create just enough space to feel a bit more grounded before dealing with whatever’s on your mind.