Managing Anxiety
As someone who has been dealing with anxiety for a long time, learning to manage it has been a struggle. Growing up African, mental health was not culturally prioritized. This is why it took me a long time to recognize that I struggle with anxiety. I had to unlearn the normalization of neglecting my emotional and mental well-being.
One of the key factors that helps me deal with anxiety is figuring out the root cause. Mine stems from fear of the worst-case scenarios happening. Having a Scorpio Moon reinforces the idea of needing to be in control of my emotions. But as a result, I suppress them rather than embrace and release them.
I signed up for emotional intelligence classes to help me address suppressed emotional rage. Something valuable I learned is that anxiety is time-traveling to the future. It is false emotions appearing real (fear), which can lead the body into having a panic attack. To avoid time traveling, it is helpful to have grounding practices that help stay in the present.
Affirmations help me come back to the present. Instead of focusing on the worst-case scenario, I switch it to a best-case scenario. For example, if I’m panicking about financial worries, I will say: “I am grateful to have exactly what I need when I need it”. Or if I’m struggling to find a job, I proclaim: “I am grateful to have a job that meets all my desires.”
Including gratitude is a big part of my affirmation because it reminds me to honor what I already have before receiving more.
I also stay grounded by remembering past scenarios that seemed impossible at the time but eventually worked out in my favor. It’s easier to focus on what could go wrong than to honor what went right. Ultimately, release what is beyond your control and focus on what is within your capacity.
I’m learning to manage my anxiety by intentionally starving it, which means less overthinking and more staying present. What grounding practices help you manage your fears?