Leaning Into Anxiety as the Pathway to Freedom

Living with anxiety can cause physical and emotional discomfort. The combination of uncontrollable thoughts, intense worry, and physical symptoms — like a fast heartbeat or dizziness — can create even more stress for those struggling with anxiety disorders.

If you have experienced anxiety for any length of time, it can be hard to remember a period when you were not consumed by it. You may want to run away from the feelings it produces and pretend as though it does not exist.

Although running away from the discomfort of anxiety may seem like the best solution, it is what causes anxiety to continue.

Remember that whatever we resist persists. To free yourself from the grips of anxiety, you must lean into the discomfort instead of resisting it. Although this may sound scary, embracing the feelings we are experiencing teaches us that they cannot hurt us.

How do you lean in when you want to lean out?

Name the Emotions Your Are Feeling   

Becoming aware of what you are feeling and where you feel it in your body is one way to be curious about anxiety instead of fearful of it. When you are experiencing anxiety, ask yourself what other emotions are present.

When we name what we are feeling, we become aware of the emotion instead of avoiding it. We can learn to befriend our emotions rather than demonize them.

Identify Where You Feel Emotions   

Physically speaking, where do you feel your emotions? When you discover where the emotions that you experience are present in your body, you can better understand them.

Also, ask yourself if each emotion has a shape, color, or picture to them. Is there a word or message the emotion wants to share with you?

Infusing Breath

Focused deep breathing can regulate your nervous system and minimize the intensity of anxiety present over both short and long periods.

Intentionally breathing into the spaces in your body where you experience uncomfortable sensations can create space for the emotion to be present and dissipate through the movement of breath.

Anxiety does not have to consume you forever. There is a life outside of it and you do not always have to identify as someone who suffers from it. At Avalon Malibu, we recognize how debilitating anxiety disorders can be and are here to help you navigate freedom from anxiety. Whether it is through teaching you how to lean into, cope, or navigate anxiety, we can guide you. You will also be among professionals and peers that support a safe and secure environment. To learn more, call us today at (844) 857-5992.