How a Mindset Shift Helped With My Anxiety

January 14th, 2021

By Jennifer Landis

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

2020 was not a kind year for those of us who struggle with anxiety. The uncertainty that continues to fly around has our nervous system all a mess.

However, training my brain how to think about challenging situations has made a world of difference. Various techniques from mindfulness, dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) have given me know-how I want to share with others. Here’s how a mindset shift helped me tame my anxiety — maybe these tips can help you, too.

1. I Learned to Accept

If you have ever uttered the 12-step serenity prayer, you know the opening line reads, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.” Radical acceptance is all about not resisting things that no amount of your effort will modify.

Let’s say you lose your job due to a round of pandemic layoffs. You know that no amount of begging or pleading will create work that doesn’t exist. Once you accept the reality of the situation, you can dust off your resume and put on your networking hat.

The same principle helps with managing challenging emotional states. For example, more than 7% of Americans have at least one major depressive episode a year. If you recognize your symptoms for what they are, you can take proactive steps to cope.

I employ radical acceptance when I have a panic attack, and surprisingly, it helps me calm down. Instead of automatically jumping to the worst-case scenario — it must be my heart — I mindfully assess my symptoms. If they match my previous experiences, I use techniques like 2-to-1 breathing to relax.

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