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Anxiety is a natural human emotion that we’ve all encountered at one time or another. Did you know that a little bit of this emotion can actually be beneficial? The right amount may be the necessary spark for reaching goals.
For many, the feeling of having a racing heart before a big event is familiar. After all, it’s a natural response to stress. In certain circumstances, pushing away anxiety may not be the right approach, The Washington Post reports. Psychologists believe a certain amount of anxiety can be valuable.
Why a Little Anxiety is Good for You
Whether it’s a big test, an improv performance, or a task at your workplace, a little bit of anxiety can be helpful. The Yerkes-Dodson curve shows that while too much anxiety can interfere with performance, too little can also have a drawback — such as causing you to rush through a task.
“There’s actually the sweet spot in the middle, where anxiety is really adaptive,” or helpful, Shannon Sauer-Zavala, a clinical psychology professor at the University of Kentucky, tells The Washington Post. She adds that at the middle point, anxiety can tell you that something is important and you should pay attention and prepare for it.
Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, a psychologist, explores in her book Future Tense how anxiety is a powerful tool that can heighten focus and cause people to pay attention to details. It also enhances creativity and promotes problem-solving. Due to its benefits, some anxiety may be necessary for getting things done.
A Positive Reframe on Stress
However, it’s not just about the stress you encounter, but how you perceive it, which matters, according to NPR. Dan Harris, host of the podcast 10% Happier, recalls feeling nervous before a TV appearance.
“In the seconds before I went on I was pacing around,” Harris shares with NPR. While Harris says the appearance went great, he adds that interpretation and a positive reframe can make a big difference. “Instead of telling yourself that you’re having crippling anxiety, you can tell yourself a more empowering story, which is, I’m excited!” he emphasizes.
Recognizing Different Types of Anxiety
While stress can be useful, at other times it can be problematic. For example, if you feel stressed long before or after a task, it can be unhelpful. Having a stress response that remains activated can cause fatigue, moodiness, and burnout. Physical symptoms to look out for that show your anxiety isn’t constructive include tension, headaches, digestive issues, and sleep problems, according to the blog Calm.
When unhelpful anxiety is more present than not, it might be time to find strategies to relax and reset. Tips to manage anxiety include acknowledging the feeling, mindfulness, taking small, actionable steps to complete a task, moving your body, using positive self-talk, and seeking support from loved ones or a therapist.
While anxiety can be both positive and negative, it can have big benefits when managed well. Learning to handle anxiety in a healthy way can make you emotionally stronger and more resilient. It can also promote personal growth through pushing you out of your comfort zone, motivating you to gain new skills, and take on new challenges, boosting confidence and leading you to tap into new abilities that are just waiting to be discovered.
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