David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Can Anxiety Be a Good Thing?
Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.
August 27, 2009
If you look up anxiety on Google, almost 100% of what you will find is promises to treat or cure your anxiety. Part of the problem with anxiety is that it is always interpreted as a negative experience. What happens is that even the slightest hint that anxiety is there can get the mind reeling that something terrible is upon you.
What if the mind was able to see things differently? What if the mind was able to notice the onset of anxiety and channel it in a way that could bring positive results?
Here is what you might notice:
One thing we can do when a cycle of worried thoughts, high anxiety, and a tense body is upon us is become aware that a stress reaction is occurring. Simple instructions, but not easy. So how can you do this?
Often times, the easiest way to do this is through awareness of your body. See if you can nonjudgmentally notice any tension in your body or tightening of your stomach. As soon as you notice this is occurring, you have momentarily stepped outside of it and from this place of presence comes a choice.
You can choose to practice coming to your senses for a moment just to further interrupt this stress cycle.
Then you may want to ask, how can I channel a little of this anxiety for benefit in this moment? Can I use it as motivation to get things done? Or maybe I just want to continue to practice coming to my senses, allowing myself to just be more present and grounded.
This is just another way of viewing the initial onset of anxiety and is not meant to be a complete treatment for anxiety disorders. However, rather than reaction with fear to initial anxiety, maybe it can be channeled for more positive agendas. This is something to consider as anxiety seems to more prevalent than ever these days. Have patience and compassion with yourself through this process as it takes practice.
Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.
August 27, 2009
If you look up anxiety on Google, almost 100% of what you will find is promises to treat or cure your anxiety. Part of the problem with anxiety is that it is always interpreted as a negative experience. What happens is that even the slightest hint that anxiety is there can get the mind reeling that something terrible is upon you.
What if the mind was able to see things differently? What if the mind was able to notice the onset of anxiety and channel it in a way that could bring positive results?
Here is what you might notice:
- Anxiety heightens our senses and may cause us to perform at our best in a given situation. Before getting up to give a presentation, a little anxiety may cause our thinking to get a bit crisper and we can more readily access information and field questions.
- Anxiety can be a motivator to get things done. When we begin to worry about not getting things done, a little anxiety can give us the energy needed to spring to action and make it happen.
One thing we can do when a cycle of worried thoughts, high anxiety, and a tense body is upon us is become aware that a stress reaction is occurring. Simple instructions, but not easy. So how can you do this?
Often times, the easiest way to do this is through awareness of your body. See if you can nonjudgmentally notice any tension in your body or tightening of your stomach. As soon as you notice this is occurring, you have momentarily stepped outside of it and from this place of presence comes a choice.
You can choose to practice coming to your senses for a moment just to further interrupt this stress cycle.
Then you may want to ask, how can I channel a little of this anxiety for benefit in this moment? Can I use it as motivation to get things done? Or maybe I just want to continue to practice coming to my senses, allowing myself to just be more present and grounded.
This is just another way of viewing the initial onset of anxiety and is not meant to be a complete treatment for anxiety disorders. However, rather than reaction with fear to initial anxiety, maybe it can be channeled for more positive agendas. This is something to consider as anxiety seems to more prevalent than ever these days. Have patience and compassion with yourself through this process as it takes practice.
