Feeling anxious is not only a very common experience, it’s a perfectly natural one. Life is so full of uncertainty - and that’s not something the brain is fond of.
When faced with the unknown, our brain will try to predict what's going to happen so it can prepare.
Sometimes that means leaping to the worst possible scenario. In that instance we can find ourselves living as though the worst has already happened. This is because of the amygdala, in the limbic system (the emotional part of the brain).
The amygdala activates the fight or flight response when faced with danger. But it does not distinguish between something happening in reality or the imagination.
So, we run the risk of experiencing a stressful situation twice. Once in the imagination - and again if it actually occurs.
This depletes us of the energy needed to deal with the situation if it actually arises. And - even if the worst never happens - we are likely to end up overwhelmed and mentally exhausted.
This is why it is important to have coping strategies to deal with uncertainty. Fortunately, there are simple ways to reassure the amygdala that things are okay.
Focusing on the things we can control and letting go of the things we can't.
Keeping to a routine as much as possible.
Calling people we care about for a chat.
Taking time in the day to breathe.
Having something to look forward to at the end of the day, like a delicious meal or a favourite show.
But the most important thing we can do when we’re feeling anxious is be kind to ourselves.
Life is full of challenges and uncertainties and it’s very normal to feel disappointed or frustrated or anxious at times.
The good thing is that there are simple things we can do to help us cope with our worries so that they don’t stop us from being able to get on with life.