A little background
The emotions associated with 'anxiety' stem from a highly alert part of the brain known as the limbic system. Comprising the amygdala and hippocampus, this system excels at evaluating potentially life-threatening scenarios, triggering our fight, flight, or freeze reactions to these external triggers. However, at times, the limbic system can become hyperactive (often as a result of trauma or intense or accumulated stressors), leaving the switch on and leading us to experience intense anxiety even in non-life-threatening circumstances.
Scientific Fun Fact
Did you know it takes roughly 90 SECONDS for the feelings of 'being triggered' to run its course through your body. So, here's the deal: If you manage to focus for a minimum of 90 seconds after a trigger, you increase your chances of responding consciously to external stimuli instead of reacting involuntarily based on your limbic system's automatic response.
Strategies for Managing Anxiety
The pdf below outlines the top four main coping strategies I recommend to clients for dealing with anxiety. The ultimate key to anxiety management lies in our ability to be fully aware in the present moment, aware that we are greater than the feeling of anxiety, of our thoughts, our emotions, our feelings and our triggers.
Download your PDF here -
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