Manage anxiety with this one simple trick.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but it can be incredibly uncomfortable and even debilitating. It's a feeling of unease, nervousness, or worry that can range from mild to severe.

When experiencing these feelings, our tendency is to try and either fight them, ignore them, or suppress them. But as you might already know, doing this only makes things worse.

The classic saying, “What you resist, persists” couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to anxiety.

So with this in mind, one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety we’ve found is to acknowledge and accept it.

Instead of trying to fight or ignore it, it can be helpful to say, "I really want these feelings."

This simple trick may seem counterintuitive, but it can be a powerful way to let go of anxiety and allow it to pass.

When you say, "I really want these feelings," you're essentially accepting that anxiety is a natural part of your experience. You're acknowledging that you can't control your feelings or thoughts, but you can control how you react to them.

By accepting your anxiety in this way, you're not trying to get rid of it, but instead, you're giving yourself permission to feel anxious without judgment.

Accepting anxiety can also help you to focus on the present moment. When you're anxious, you may be worrying about the future or ruminating on the past. By saying, "I really want these feelings," you're bringing your attention back to the present. You're acknowledging that anxiety is a feeling that you're experiencing right now, in this moment.

Another benefit of accepting anxiety is that it can help you to feel more in control. When you're anxious, it's easy to feel like your thoughts and feelings are out of control. But by accepting your anxiety and saying, "I really want these feelings," you're taking ownership of your experience. You're reminding yourself that you're in control of how you respond to your anxiety.

Of course, accepting anxiety is not a quick fix for managing it. It takes time and practice to develop this skill. But with time and practice, you may find that saying, "I really want these feelings," helps you to let go of anxiety and allow it to pass through you.

Remember that anxiety is a natural part of life, and it's okay to feel anxious sometimes. By accepting your anxiety, you can learn to manage it more effectively and live a more fulfilling life.

Want to read about how our courses help manage feelings of nervousness around public speaking? If so, check out our courses page to find out more.