One of the biggest complications that anyone has with anxiety is ‘staying in the moment.’ When our body rushes with an emotion we tend to focus on the present. You need to remember that feelings are fluid and they will inevitably change. One thing that my psychotherapist mentioned over and over again was to write my expectations on how I’ll feel once my anxious thoughts pass:
“I am feeling nervous/anxious about my presentation at work but I expect to feel calm and collected once it’s over”
I would get into writing these out almost every session with her until it became a habit. Writing out how you expect your feelings to improve and recognizing your first indication of anxiety has a calming effect. If you feel you cannot express yourself properly during these incidents don’t get discouraged. It took me a year to be able to – try small at first. Ask yourself “What am I feeling right now?” and if “Anger” is the only thing that pops into your mind, either say it out loud or write it down.
Being unaware or suppressing our feelings can lead to feeling numb and exhausted. You need to remember that whatever you DO feel is neither right nor wrong, they just simply exist. Stop ignoring or withholding them as it can lead to physical ailments such as tension in muscles, headaches and can go to extremes of ulcers and cardiac problems
If you are in touch with your feelings and can express them, you will feel more energetic (I promise!).
Eventually, I was able to stop myself mid-thought and acknowledge my anxiety but focus on how my feelings will change. Just remember: feelings shift!
The Gray Space 