The Upside of Anxiety

Picture from Pixabay

Anxiety has gotten a bad rap. The feelings we get in our body when nerves start to creep in actually serves a vital purpose and there are many reasons to celebrate when they show up. Early signs of anxiety help our body prepare for activities and are necessary in order to perform at our best.

An increase in our heart rate and respirations before a sport competition increases the amount of oxygen and other supplies to our muscles. Before writing an exam, sending oxygen and nutrients to our brain helps with information recall, critical thinking, and focus.

Other positives of anxiety:

• Tells you something is important to you

• Shows you care

• Keeps you safe and out of danger

• Can make you a careful decision maker

• Is a sign that you need to focus your attention

• Can increase your ability to problem solve

• Could be an opportunity for self-growth

• Can enhance performance on tests

• Increases your reaction time

• Can increase the level of compassion and empathy you have for others

 Anxiety also provides feedback and information. It may be a sign that we do not feel prepared and it can help us identify what we need in order to prepare for success. Often the more we try to make anxiety go away, the louder it speaks. It wants to feel heard. The more we get concerned about the presence of anxiety, the more we are telling our nervous system that there is a threat that it needs to protect us from.

 Your body is working for you and not against you.

Have additional questions about anxiety? Send Tonia a message at tonia@toniaandersonpsychology.ca or call 587-224-4071.