So if you’ve read, “How to Manage Anxiety”, or “Understanding Anxiety Triggers”, but still struggle to apply what you’ve learned, you’re in the right place. Many of us get stuck in a cycle of trying and failing, often giving up when results don’t last. The issue isn’t the methods; it’s the mental approach. Just like fitness and nutrition, healing is 80% mental and 20% physical, In this blog, we’ll explore the key mental steps you need to take to overcome anxiety for good.
1.) Desire
This is the most crucial step in overcoming anxiety. You must genuinely want to stop feeling anxiety and be fully committed to doing whatever it takes to manage and eventually eliminate it. This inner work is not a one-time task but something you need to do daily. Overcoming anxiety requires dedicated mental training, especially when you feel it coming on or know when a trigger is near. You must keep the desire to heal at the forefront of your mind and heart, thinking about it every time anxiety arises. The reason this is so vital is that overcoming anxiety involves rewiring deeply ingrained habits. Without a burning desire to change, no amount of discipline or goal-setting will help. Logic alone cannot break the cycle of anxiety. To apply this, you need to practice what you’ve learned in self-help blogs consistently. When stress or anxiety triggers happen—heart racing, mind racing, or feeling mentally overloaded—your deep desire to be free from anxiety should rise to the surface. This desire shouldn’t just be in your mind; it should be felt in your heart and soul, signaling something isn’t right. Sometimes, it may manifest as an uneasy feeling in your stomach or chest. This physical discomfort is your body’s way of reminding you to apply the techniques you’ve learned. When this happens, pause, slow your thoughts, and apply the new, healthier responses to calm yourself and reduce anxiety.
2.) Repetition
Overcoming anxiety won’t happen overnight or even in a week. While it’s possible to see progress quickly if your desire is strong, healing takes time. The process may take longer if you have various responsibilities or many habits to unlearn. However, focus on the how instead of the how fast. The quality of your mindset will determine if your progress is sustainable. Start by applying what you learned in step 1, keeping your desire to heal at the forefront of your mind daily. This should trigger a lifestyle change, not just a temporary fix. While your job or school may stay the same, this shift will impact your decisions. You’ll begin to make choices that help you avoid anxiety triggers, which might include altering your schedule, your free time, or even who you spend time with. The key is consistency. The more you apply these changes, the more they will become part of your new routine. Over time, these new habits will replace old, anxiety-inducing patterns, helping you break free from stress and anxiety. Remember, true healing is about creating lasting change through mental shifts, not quick fixes.
3.) Acceptance
It’s a common misconception that when you start to see and feel changes in your habits or mindset, you’re automatically “good to go.” Many people make progress for a while, but often, there’s an underlying issue. They haven’t fully accepted the new version of themselves, one that no longer operates in their old, comfortable ways. Anxiety, stress, and emotional triggers are often subconscious, learned actions or reactions that the body adopts without the mind’s full awareness. While you might make conscious changes, you may not be fully ready to embrace those changes, which can lead to self-sabotage or doubt. These small, seemingly harmless thoughts of insecurity or denial can undermine your progress and weaken your drive to eliminate anxiety.
This is because deep-rooted trauma or a lack of trust in the unknown may be affecting your ability to accept change. It’s vital to recognize that healing requires embracing the new mindset without holding on to the past. This step involves letting go of any shame, guilt, or stress you’ve carried and accepting that your old habits no longer define you.
When you realize the damage anxiety has caused to your health, it can be overwhelming. But there’s no need to panic. As long as you understand what caused the anxiety, you now have the power to choose a new path. The key here is to leave the old anxiety and stress behind, accepting that healing takes time and commitment. By consistently repairing the mental and physical effects of anxiety, you can shift your mindset, healing your body and mind. Think of anxiety as part of your past, not your present.
Conclusion
Personal growth requires deep inner work that is unique to each individual. This is why it’s called your Journey to Self, as it involves personal decisions and efforts tailored to your life. While advice on overcoming anxiety or stress can be helpful, it’s important to remember that true change comes from within. As the saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” The key to lasting change is a strong desire to heal and a consistent drive to take action in every moment. By nurturing this desire, you can make lasting progress on your journey to self-healing and overcoming anxiety. Your commitment and mindset will determine your success, and with each step, you move closer to a life free from stress and anxiety.
