Anxiety can be a challenging emotion to deal with, and it’s important to develop healthy coping mechanisms. However, there are some destructive habits that people with anxiety often fall into. Breaking these habits can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Here are four destructive anxiety habits to be aware of:
Catastrophising: According to Dr. Tracy Marks, catastrophising is when you blow things out of proportion and imagine the worst-case scenario in every situation. It’s like having a magnifying glass that amplifies your fears. This habit can increase anxiety levels and prevent you from seeing things in a balanced way. To break this habit, try to challenge your catastrophic thoughts by asking yourself if the worst-case scenario is truly likely to happen. Focus on more realistic and positive outcomes instead.
Avoidance: According to Psych2Go, avoidance is a common habit among people with anxiety. It involves avoiding situations or activities that trigger anxiety, which may provide temporary relief but reinforces anxiety in the long run. Avoidance prevents you from confronting and overcoming your fears. To break this habit, start by gradually exposing yourself to the things you fear in a controlled and supportive manner. Over time, you’ll build confidence and reduce anxiety levels.
Excessive Reassurance Seeking: According to PsychCentral, constantly seeking reassurance from others can become a destructive habit. While seeking support and guidance is normal, relying too heavily on reassurance can hinder your ability to develop self-confidence. It’s essential to learn to trust your own judgment and build resilience. Practice self-soothing techniques such as deep breathing, positive affirmations, and grounding exercises to reduce the need for excessive reassurance.
Overthinking: Overthinking involves getting trapped in a cycle of repetitive and negative thoughts. It’s like a hamster running on a wheel without getting anywhere. Overthinking can intensify anxiety and prevent you from finding solutions to problems. To break this habit, practice mindfulness and try to stay present in the moment. Challenge your negative thoughts and focus on problem-solving instead of getting lost in endless rumination.
Breaking destructive anxiety habits takes time and effort, but it’s a worthwhile endeavour. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you work towards healthier coping strategies. Consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor who can provide guidance and help you develop effective tools to manage anxiety. With persistence and determination, you can overcome these destructive habits and experience greater calmness and well-being.
Also see: 7 Steps to holding an intervention for a loved one struggling with addiction
