Recognize that anxiety, at its core, is an evolutionary mechanism designed to protect you, which can help you reframe it as a tool for productivity rather than solely a negative experience.
Actively change your perspective on what makes you anxious, understanding that a shift in mindset is a powerful tool for addressing anxiety and seeing things in a different way.
Understand that anxiety can be a superpower for productivity because it highlights what you care about in your life and can prompt you to take action.
When experiencing anxiety through ‘what if’ lists, recognize these lists reveal what you value, then actively convert them into actionable ’to-do’ lists to address the concerns.
Actively address the items on your anxiety-derived ’to-do’ list, as taking action helps relieve that anxiety and prepares you for upcoming challenges.
To address work-related anxiety, ask colleagues, coaches, advisors, or friends for feedback and advice, and talk through your concerns with someone who cares about you.
When facing anxiety about a task, reframe it as a ‘job to do’ or a responsibility, shifting focus from potential negative outcomes to fulfilling your assigned role.
Understand that uncomfortable emotions like sadness, anger, and anxiety are not meant to annoy you, but serve as warning systems or signals to learn from.
Instead of viewing anxiety as a heavy weight, reframe it as a ’little kid’ gently calling for attention to an important project, making it feel less burdensome.
Walk for at least 10 minutes to immediately decrease anxiety levels, as this releases beneficial neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.
Engage in short breath meditation, which can be found for free on platforms like YouTube, to decrease negative mood states like anxiety and depression, and improve focus and attention.
If feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, begin with small, manageable actions like a 10-minute walk or a short breath meditation to start finding a way out and improve your mood state.