Anxiety is a natural response to a variety of situations, which can include everything from periods of change and uncertainty, to feelings of lack of control, the experience of traumatic events, deep-seated beliefs, or worries that accumulate over time, among many others.
It can manifest in many ways, from physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, excessive sweating, and difficulty concentrating, to deeply affecting our mind, creating a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
Recognising anxiety is the first step to dealing with it in a more conscious and compassionate way. Instead of fighting it, by learning to relate to anxiety, we can begin to understand what it has to say. Perhaps we need to set boundaries, rest, process difficult experiences, learn new tools, or soothe it through self-care practices.
Anxiety does not define who you are. It is more common than we think, and when approached with patience and support, it can be managed in a balanced way, without taking over our lives.
Inês Paula
