Fear is a helpful emotion that warns us in situations where there is real danger. However, anxiety is a response to the mind’s interpretation of situations as threatening regardless of whether or not there is any real risk.
Both fear and anxiety activate the body’s fight-flight or freeze reaction – the stress response. This is a survival mechanism in which physiological changes allow you to act quickly so you can protect yourself. In the fight-flight reaction your body releases cortisol and adrenaline. As a result, your muscles tense, heart rate increases and blood thickens, breathing speeds up, pain perception drops, pupils dilate and peripheral vision broadens, and all of your senses sharpen. You may also experience a freeze reaction which involves similar physiological changes but you protect yourself by becoming still, holding your breath, and being vigilant, preparing for the next move. The stress response is unhelpful when there is no real threat.
If you suffer from anxiety, non-threatening events trigger the stress response frequently and your brain habitually reacts as if you are in danger.
The body remains in a state of high alert and stress which are detrimental to your physical and mental health.
Chronic stress weakens the immune system generally and results in specific detrimental effects on different areas of the body. As a result, learning to manage anxiety is critical. Anxiety management strategies calm the nervous system and counter the effects of stress – resulting in improved physical health and well-being.
Anxiety leaves you feeling powerless. Learning to calm the mind, relax the body, and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns can free you.
Simple techniques that train your mind to be in the present moment, soothe your emotions, and raise your vibration are empowering. You will become more tolerant of uncertainty, learn to surrender and let go of what is outside of your control, and trust the unfolding of your life. Over time, new neural connections develop in the brain and the “Zen” pathway becomes effortless. This allows you to feel calm, carefree, and confident to reclaim your power.
