7 Behaviors that Cause Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by
feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like
increased blood pressure. Anxiety can be hard to control as those who
suffer from it usually have recurring, intrusive thoughts or concerns.
While some individuals may not view anxiety as a major issue, there is a
big difference between worry and anxiety. Anxiety is hard to shake off
and creates challenges to every situation. Below are 7 behaviors that
create anxiety and how to avoid having them.
1. Avoiding your fears
Avoiding issues that causes stress creates
more anxiety. Imagine shoveling dirt under a rug then wondering why you
keep tripping over the mound of dirt every time you walk near it. The
issues are still there, but the more you fight to erase them from your
mind, the stronger they become.
Avoiding your fears may seem reasonable, but addressing the situation
could help you put your fears aside. Avoiding your fears will only
create another in its place. Once you learn to face your demons, they
can't hurt you anymore.
2. Leaving your anxiety unchecked
Being aware that you suffer from anxiety is the first step. Being in
denial causes other underlying disorders such as (OCD) Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder or other phobias. Leaving anxiety unchecked can also
lead to severe depression. Denial is a psychological mechanism that we
use when things have become too uncomfortable for us to face. It is
believed to be the first stage of coping in a hard situation, event,
trauma or experience.
So, ask yourself whether you feel inflicted by the fears and phobias
that control your thoughts. Denial is often the first step toward
acceptance. Until you face the truth, you cannot heal from it.
3. Your expectations are too high
How high are your expectations?
Expectations are strong beliefs that something will happen in the
future. Yet when things don't go according to plan, we spin out of
control. As a result we feel crushed when our expectations get
tarnished. Consequently, this can cause anxiety. It is therefore
important to bear in mind that expectations are anomalies. They only
lead to disappointment.
Try to put a stop to your expectations. Anxiety usually surfaces when we
don't get what we want. Remember that nothing in life is set in stone.
4.You need reassurance from others
Do you need constant reassurance from others? If this is the case then
you most likely suffer from anxiety. As a result, reassurance leads to
an unhealthy belief in your own worth and esteem Furthermore, if you are
constantly worried about what others think, your anxiety will always be
elevated.
Learn to trust your own opinion. If you have to make a decision believe
that you can acquire the best plan of action. Trust the fact that you
have all the answers within you.
5. You wash your worries away with medication
While medication is helpful, relying on a
magic pill is irresponsible. Eventually, the medication will likely stop
working, but the fears will still be there. While medications such as
Xanax, Valium and Ativan have a calming effect, they provide a false
sense of dealing with anxiety.
In order to live a healthy life you must rely on positive reinforcement
to help ease your thoughts. Try exercising, spending time outdoors,
meditating or listening to music as an alternative.
6. You let negative self talk get the best of you
Negative self talks, disturbed sleep and believing that something is
wrong with you are all part of anxiety. But when not addressed,
helplessness may turn into severe depression.
Learn to live in the present moment. One of the most troublesome effects
of anxiety is thinking too much about the future. Rather than allowing
your brain to create scenarios and suffer from disasters. But rather
than allowing your anxiety to get the best of you. you have the power to
substitute the mindset with something positive. Instead, opt for
something that brings you joy.
7. You refuse to speak about your issues
If you've discovered yourself to be an anxious person, it is important
to examine the issues from trauma and past circumstances. Also,
environmental factors and genetics play a role in anxiety too. It's
important to address the issues that we learn from our behaviors and
past experiences. Seeking help and speaking to someone may help you
better deal with anxiety.