In recent weeks, I've faced a significant test of my own methods and a poignant reminder of what my anxiety clients often endure. An unexpected and uninvited issue, completely outside my control, caused me immense distress (rest assured, it was nothing work-related!).
As a human being, I naturally felt stress and anxiety. This incident shattered the peaceful existence I had painstakingly built. For several days and nights, I found myself mulling over the situation repeatedly, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions, primarily because my own boundaries and beliefs had been disrespected.
Initially, I believed these emotions would quickly dissipate, but they lingered. Determined to regain control, I decided to practice what I preach, utilising the tools I provide to clients for handling unexpected situations. For days, I felt violated and angry, with adrenaline coursing through my veins. I knew I had to act swiftly to prevent this from spiralling into a more severe issue.
Steps I Took to Overcome Anxiety
Embraced the Worst-Case Scenario: The first step was to mentally prepare for the worst-case scenario. Once I became accustomed to this idea (which took some time), every other scenario felt more positive. This mental preparation helped reduce the intensity of my anxiety.
Applied Calming Techniques: I employed various techniques to calm my system and alleviate the emotional burden. These methods are the same ones I teach my clients, proving their effectiveness even in my own life.
Regained Control: It's crucial to remember that even when you're in a good place, external influences can disrupt your peace. The key is to regain control swiftly. I call this being in "Cause" rather than being in "Effect." Taking action puts you in control (Cause) and empowers you. Conversely, being a victim of circumstance (Effect) is not a healthy place to be.
This experience served as a powerful reminder of why I teach these tools. Recently, someone asked me during a discovery call why I teach self-help tools if my aim is to eliminate anxiety. The answer is simple: situations will inevitably arise, and I want to equip you with the tools to handle them effectively.
Conclusion
Dealing with unexpected stress and anxiety is a challenge, but with the right tools and mindset, you can regain control and maintain your peace. My recent experience reinforced the importance of the techniques I teach and their effectiveness in real-life situations.
Remember, being proactive and taking control of your responses is crucial to managing anxiety and stress effectively.
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