964: Anxiety's Modus Operandi Overestimating Threats, Underestimating Abilities

In today's episode, Gina focuses in on one of anxiety's most common modes of operation: exaggerating threats while underestimating one's ability to respond to such threats. With an understanding of this tendency, those suffering from anxiety can reverse this tendency and come to see themselves as stronger and more than capable of handling life's various difficulties. Listen in for advice on how to realize your inherent strength and realize that no challenge is too much to deal with successfully.

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What is anxiety?

Quote:

Anxiety tends to magnify perceived threats while diminishing our faith in our own ability to handle them.

-Thom Rutledge

Chapters

0:00:24 Anxiety's modus operandi: overestimating threats, underestimating abilities.

0:02:00 The impact of anxiety: magnifying threats, diminishing self-confidence.

0:05:40 Using the funhouse mirror metaphor to manage anxiety.

0:13:43 Stepping away from the funhouse mirror

0:14:51 Using visualization to find a clear and confident perspective

0:15:45 Insight from journaling: identifying patterns and triggers

Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into the topic of anxiety and how it tends to exaggerate threats while undermining our belief in our own abilities. As Tom Rutledge states, anxiety can magnify our perceived threats and make us doubt our capacity to handle them. It's easy to fall into the trap of accepting these exaggerated threats without questioning them, and this is where we need to make a change.

I introduce the metaphor of standing in front of a funhouse mirror, illustrating how anxiety distorts our perception and makes obstacles seem larger than they truly are. Not only that, but it also diminishes our sense of self and leaves us feeling feeble. To combat this, I emphasize the importance of grounding techniques and mindfulness to reconnect with the present moment and gain a clearer perspective.

Moving on, I discuss various strategies for managing anxiety. Grounding ourselves and practicing deep breathing exercises can help calm our nervous system and allow us to respond rather than react to anxiety-provoking situations. Another technique involves using positive affirmations to counteract the negative self-image that anxiety creates. Reminding ourselves of past successes and capabilities through kind words in front of a mirror can be powerful in combatting these negative thoughts.

Gradual exposure to triggering situations is another helpful strategy. By starting small and gradually challenging ourselves with bigger tasks, we can normalize anxiety and change our perspective on it. It's important to question our anxious thoughts and focus on the facts. By looking at the issue from a different angle, we can recognize any distortions or exaggerations that anxiety may be causing.

Self-compassion is crucial throughout this journey. Treating ourselves with kindness and visualizing stepping away from the funhouse mirror can help approach challenges with clarity and confidence. Journaling our thoughts and feelings can also provide valuable insights into patterns and triggers, making it easier to manage anxiety.

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