24 Feb Managing Anxiety Series (Post 2)
In Post 1 of this Managing Anxiety Series I encouraged you to accept the normality, and even at times utility, of anxiety.
It might not always be pleasant, but it’s also not always (or doesn’t have to be) overwhelming and debilitating.
Which brings me to step 2 of this managing anxiety series which is about taking control (of what you can).
For some of us, trying to control everything is what causes anxiety; because we can’t control everything and so we end up fighting a losing battle. But that doesn’t mean we can’t control some things.
There are some aspects of the world around us over which we have some influence; and probably even more importantly, many aspects of our own, internal life, over which we have much influence.
So, focus on what you CAN change or do or have some say in. If it’s not the external stressor that you can do something to or with THEN go back to the acceptance strategy and focus your control efforts on how you respond to those external variables.
Control what you can control; accept what you can’t; and be wise enough to know the difference.
Taking control (of what you can) relates to what psychologists call “self-efficacy” and self-efficacy, a form of confidence, can be a super power when it comes to managing anxiety (and life more broadly)!
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PPS: if you’d like to delve deeper into strategies for managing anxiety, you might like to explore my Audible audiobook series (including Habits for Managing Anxiety) which are all FREE for Audible subscribers. Just search for “Dr Tim Sharp” or “Habits for Managing Anxiety” and … listen away : )