Let’s take a quick trip back in time—way back to when our ancestors were still navigating the dangers of the wild. The very reason humanity survived and thrived is due to a little thing we call anxiety.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: "But isn’t anxiety bad?" Yes, clinical anxiety can be a disorder. It’s something I’ve worked with many clients on, and I’ve seen them overcome it. It’s real, but it is also treatable.
However, today, this article is not about clinical anxiety. It’s for anyone who believes that even a hint of anxiety is harmful. Let me help you rethink that.
A Survival Instinct
Thousands of years ago, we weren’t exactly sitting at the top of the food chain. We ate some animals, and some animals ate us. Every step outside our shelter was a calculated risk. If we saw a rustle in the bushes, we didn’t assume it was just the wind. We assumed it was something that could kill us, like a venomous snake. That feeling of anxiety? It kept us alive.
Imagine walking into a cave seeking shelter. If you didn’t feel a pang of anxiety wondering if there might be a bear inside, you wouldn’t be here reading this today.
That’s right: anxiety is what saved our ancestors. It kept us on alert. It made us cautious. It helped us survive.
Anxiety: A Useful Signal
In the modern world, anxiety still plays a crucial role. It’s the reason you look both ways before crossing the street. It’s what keeps you aware of potential dangers and helps you make better decisions. Anxiety can be a wake-up call that you need to act—whether it’s to avoid danger or to restore balance in your life.
When life feels out of sync, anxiety is your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention. Maybe it’s time to reflect on your current path, adjust your course, or make some important changes. Anxiety helps you stay on track, emotionally and physically.
Anxiety and Performance
Did you know anxiety can actually boost your performance? When faced with a challenge, your fight-or-flight system kicks in, sharpening your focus and preparing you to do your best. It’s that heightened state of awareness that pushes you to tackle tough tasks, and in doing so, builds your self-esteem and resilience. Overcoming obstacles—big or small—helps you grow more confident in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.
Anxiety can also signal you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. And guess what? That’s a good thing. Growth happens when we push ourselves beyond the familiar, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first.
Who Doesn’t Feel Anxiety?
So, who are the people that never feel anxious? Psychopaths. That’s right. It’s the absence of anxiety that makes certain individuals indifferent to risk, danger, or even social consequences. Not something most of us would want to emulate.
Reframing Anxiety
Next time anxiety creeps in, pause and reflect on what it’s trying to tell you. For example, if you’re feeling nervous about giving a presentation, that anxiety might actually mean you care deeply about doing a good job. It might also be a sign that you’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Or perhaps it’s nudging you to pay attention to something you haven’t noticed yet.
All of our emotions are messages. Anxiety is no different. The key is to understand the message it’s sending and decide how to respond.
If you are dealing with clinical anxiety, rest assured that there are many qualified therapists who can help you learn how to manage and reduce it. There’s no shame in seeking help—sometimes the best way to move forward is with the support of someone who knows how to guide you through the process.
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