Taming anxiety: Tips to calm the beast

So many people I speak with are anxious. So many hide it from others. I get that. But we really should stop hiding. Admitting you are feeling anxious, or experiencing anxiety isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact it’s an acknowledgement of your human-ness and in my experience being open about it enables stronger and more authentic relationships.

A few short years ago anxiety was ever-present in my daily experience. Over a short window of time the situation escalated to the point where I found it difficult to work in my office (particularly difficult as I was the boss), I couldn’t sleep lying down (I sat up propped on pillows until I eventually dropped into a broken sleep) and the nervous energy constantly pumping through my body made me feel in a constant state of flight.

I couldn’t say exactly what triggered it however can take a guess that a combination of work and life things many of which were well beyond my control.

On the outside I would have looked just fine. (I’m good at that). However inside I began to understand how people could reach a point of seeking a quick exit. It was relentless, unforgiving and at the time I did not believe it would ever cease.

I quietly told those I trusted most and urgently set upon a journey to calm my inner beast.