Hi there! If you’re reading this, you probably know what it’s like to experience anxiety. It’s that pesky little thing that can worm its way into your daily routine and make everything ten times more difficult. But here’s the thing, trust me when I say, your anxiety is lying to you.
It can be hard to navigate the world when it feels like your brain is working against you. Anxiety lies and makes you think the worst-case scenarios are definitely going to happen. It convinces you that making a mistake will ruin everything. Those people that just told you that they like your new shirt? Anxiety tells you it’s bullshit. They probably only said that because they thought the one you wore yesterday was even more hideous.
All those thoughts and feelings that make you feel like you’re losing control? That’s your anxiety talking. The truth is; anxiety is just a big fat liar. Here are just a few ways it might be deceiving you, and how to combat those unhelpful thoughts.
Anxiety tells you that everyone is judging you. Do you ever walk into a room and feel like all eyes are on you, judging everything you do or say? Your anxiety is lying to you. In fact, most people are so wrapped up in their own thoughts and worries that they barely notice what anyone else is doing. Try reminding yourself that you are not the center of everyone’s universe, and even if someone does judge you, it’s not the end of the world. Most likely, they will forget about it soon enough. Besides it probably is really more about them than it is you anyway.
Anxiety likes to exaggerate things.
In fact, anxiety is a master of exaggeration. It will take a small worry and turn it into a life-or-death situation. For example, if you’re worried about a presentation at work, anxiety will convince you that you’re going to mess it up so badly that you’ll get fired. But in reality, the presentation is probably not a big deal, and you’ll do just fine. However, anxiety will continue to convince you that the worst-case scenario is going to happen.
Anxiety makes you think you have to be perfect. Do you ever feel like you have to do everything exactly right, or else you’ll be a failure? Perfection is an impossible standard, and striving for it will only cause stress and disappointment. Embrace the idea of “good enough,” and remind yourself that mistakes are a natural part of life. Everyone messes up sometimes, and that doesn’t make you a failure.
Have you ever convinced yourself that you know exactly how a situation is going to play out? That’s your anxiety talking. Anxiety likes to predict the future and it will convince you that it knows exactly what’s going to happen. But the truth is, none of us really know what’s going to happen and our anxiety is just making a wild guess.
Anxiety convinces you that something terrible is going to happen. Do you ever find yourself catastrophizing, imagining the worst possible scenario in any given situation? Again, your anxiety is lying to you. While it’s true that bad things can happen, they are usually not as catastrophic as we imagine them to be. Try to focus on the present moment and remind yourself that you have survived difficult situations before. You are strong enough to handle whatever comes your way.
Anxiety causes you to avoid things that you enjoy.
It is a grade A party pooper. It will convince you that anything that could be slightly uncomfortable, or challenging is not worth doing. This can cause you to avoid doing things that you enjoy or that could help you grow as a person. For example, if you’re anxious about public speaking, you might avoid joining any type of class where you may potentially have to give a speech; even though it could actually help you gain confidence and improve your skills.
Do you ever feel like no one else could possibly understand what you’re going through? That’s because anxiety likes to try to convince you that you are alone. Lies-lies and more lies! Millions of people deal with anxiety every day, and there is a whole community out there of people who can relate to your struggles. Look for support groups online or in person, and know that you are not alone in your journey.
Anxiety makes you believe that you’re not good enough. Do you ever feel like you aren’t living up to your own expectations, or that you’re not as talented/successful/beautiful as other people? You guessed it. Anxiety is once again lying to you. You are enough just as you are, and any negative thoughts you have about yourself are not based in reality. Try practicing self-compassion, and focus on the things you do well instead of constantly comparing yourself to others.
How else is your anxiety lying to you?
When anxiety is lying to you, it can create an endless cycle of self-doubt. You might start second-guessing all of your choices and wondering if you’re making the right decision. This can cause you to become paralyzed and unable to move forward. But the truth is, even if you make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. We all make mistakes and it’s how we learn and grow as people.
Anxiety can cause you to constantly worry about the future and dwell on the past. It can prevent you from living in the moment and enjoying the present. This can cause you to miss out on experiences and memories that could have been great. But when you start to recognize that your anxiety is lying to you, you can start to focus on the present moment and enjoy your life more.
Anxiety is a tough beast to tackle, but recognizing it for the liar that it is, can help you take back control. When you start to see through your anxiety’s lies, you can start to focus on what really matters and live a more fulfilling life.
So, the next time your anxiety tries to convince you that the worst-case scenario is going to happen, remind yourself that it’s just lying to you. Because the truth is, everything is going to be okay, and you are enough just as you are.
Never forget that YOU MATTER! Until next time, stay brash, stay mindful and stay true to you!
