Anxiety is a feeling and a signal
Anxiety is a feeling (a combination of physical sensations and emotions). The feeling is a signal from your sub-conscious mind to your conscious mind, that one or more things that you care about – that are important to you – are potentially at risk of harm. The feeling is intense enough not to be ignored, but not intense enough to be debilitating. ‘Normal’ anxiety’s job is to keep bugging you, so you pay attention to the risk and start actions to mitigate the risk.
Our inbuilt risk management system
Anxiety is a key component of our inbuilt risk management system that has evolved over millennia to keep us alive in a dangerous and uncertain world. It is like our internal alarm system.
We need this alarm system. Without it, we wouldn’t survive very long because it alerts us to potential threats in the environment both external — such as a driver swerving towards us in a nearby lane — and internal — such as when we’ve procrastinated too long and it’s time to get started on our work.
It can help us cross a busy street by helping us stay alert and ‘take flight’ if necessary, and can help us perform at our best, by motivating us to study for an exam or prepare for a job interview.
It stops us from taking foolhardy risks – at least most of the time. Being anxious about approaching the edge of a cliff is useful. It can stop you from accidentally falling to your death.
The anxiety signal comes as needed and goes when not needed, but …….
Our inbuilt risk management system is prone to false alarms
This inbuilt risk management system evolved to help us deal with risks to our physical wellbeing. When it comes to threats to our emotional wellbeing the system is prone to false alarms. These false alarms result in us experiencing unnecessary anxiety. This unnecessary anxiety can build to the point where it becomes debilitating. It stops us living and enjoying a normal life.
You can fix the false alarms
Fortunately, with the right knowledge and skills, you can free yourself from unnecessary anxiety. One way many people have chosen to build their skills is through one of my Anxiety Solutions Coaching Programs.
Below I share one of the techniques I teach all my anxious and stressed clients.
The Quick Coherence® Technique
The Quick Coherence® Technique was developed by the HeartMath Institute. As with many of the HeartMath tools, the simplicity can cloak its power at first. So, don’t let simplicity keep you from trying it. Part of its effectiveness is that it is so simple.
Using Quick Coherence at the onset of negative feelings like anxiety and stress can prevent them from escalating and bring you back into balance more quickly. HeartMath suggest you practice the technique several times a day. I agree with this suggestion. I worked with a highly stressed individual recently who practiced Quick Coherence just once a day for a week and was able to significantly lower his stress level, as measured pre- and post-practice using a biofeedback monitor. To download my guide to the Quick Coherence technique, click here.
Schedule a free, no obligation Discovery Consultation
If you want some help reducing your anxiety or stress level simply schedule a free, no obligation Discovery Consultation by clicking HERE. Alternatively, you can call/text me on 021 056 8389.
Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine.
~ Tony
I’m on a mission to help as many people as possible enjoy lives free of unnecessary stress and anxiety. If you’d like my help, or you know someone who would benefit, call/text me today on 021 056 8389 or email tony@tycoaching.nz
