We worry about ‘catching a virus,’ but did you know that we can also catch ‘anxiety’? We can catch it from others, but we can also catch it from our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We can also transmit it to others. 

Here are six ways to prevent or short-circuit anxiety, boost resilience, and ‘catch a calm’. 

1. Live in the present 

Anxiety causes us to live in the future. (In depression, we tend to live in the past). We worry about things that may never happen, irrationally thinking that worrying will prepare us to manage or prevent the unknown, the unexpected. This is different from being prepared.   

2. Live mindfully

Are you always on autopilot, too busy to be self-aware? Mindfulness means being aware and fully present in our lives—thoughts, emotions, behaviors, physical selves, and surroundings. It is the opposite of hypnosis! Being mindful means choosing to be aware.  

3. Recognize thoughts

My slogan is ‘Don’t believe everything you think.’ In cognitive behavior practice, thoughts cause emotions, which trigger behaviors. If first you are aware of your behavior, ask, ‘What am I thinking?’ and then, ‘What am I feeling?’ 

4. Monitor your breathing

I confess that I am a lifelong breath holder. This means I’m usually deep into anxiety and stress before I am in touch with my breathing. I try to make it a habit—it needs to be a habit! Calling on a practice when our stress level is high is difficult. Our brain screams, ‘Are you kidding me? We need to fight, run, or collapse. ‘ 

5. Move

Telling the anxious brain to be calm and to relax may be impossible. Instead, move– vigorously, if possible. Do jumping jacks, run up and down stairs, or walk quickly. Anxiety comes from our primitive brain; it thinks our life is in danger. Movement tricks the brain into thinking that we are conquering the threat. Movement also rids our body of the stress hormones that cause headaches, muscle tension, and upset stomachs.

6.  Support People

I’ve saved the most important for last! I have seen for myself, and in research reports that support from others is the best predictor of managing and growing through crises—support from those going through it with us or those who have successfully mastered life challenges. Yes, we grow through crises and life challenges. So, share in-depth and with feeling with trusted others.