Youth Incorporated Magazine

Do you ever feel anxious but you don’t understand why? It’s like something is constantly bothering you and you just can’t shake it off. Anxiety is a widespread mental health concern that affects millions of people. While various factors contribute to anxiety, such as genetics and life circumstances, there are several common habits and thought patterns that can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. To effectively manage these feelings, it’s essential to understand and control these habits.

One common habit is black-and-white thinking, where individuals see situations in extreme, polarized terms. This habit can lead to unrealistic expectations and an inability to navigate life’s grey areas. To manage this habit, it’s important to practice cognitive reframing by challenging extreme thoughts with more balanced perspectives and recognizing the nuances and possibilities in between.

Another common habit is people-pleasing, driven by a strong desire to gain approval and validation from others. People-pleasers often go to great lengths to avoid conflict, even at the expense of their own needs and well-being. To control this habit, setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care is essential, along with learning to say “no” when necessary.

The need for constant reassurance is another habit that makes us anxious, as individuals constantly seek validation from others, leading to self-doubt and dependence on external validation. Developing self-confidence and gradually reducing the dependence on external reassurance are crucial control strategies.

Catastrophizing, which involves envisioning worst-case scenarios, contributes to distorted perceptions of danger and overwhelming anxiety. Challenging catastrophic thoughts and considering more realistic outcomes can help manage this habit.

Avoidance behaviour is a common response to anxiety, where individuals avoid situations or triggers that cause discomfort, ultimately reinforcing the these feelings. Gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, with professional support, if necessary, can reduce avoidance behaviour.

Perfectionism, setting excessively high standards, can lead to chronic stress and anxiousness. Embracing a growth mindset and adjusting expectations to more realistic and attainable goals are vital strategies to control this habit.

Overthinking, characterized by repetitive and obsessive thoughts, can exacerbate anxiety. Practising mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural techniques can help interrupt the cycle of overthinking.

Finally, a lack of self-care, including neglecting proper sleep, nutrition, exercise, and relaxation, can contribute to anxiety. Prioritizing self-care as an essential component of anxiety management and establishing a routine that includes regular exercise, healthy eating, relaxation techniques, and adequate sleep can be instrumental in managing anxiety more effectively.

Recognizing and addressing these common habits that fuel anxiety is an essential step toward managing and reducing its impact on your life. Developing self-awareness and implementing these control strategies can empower individuals to regain a sense of control and find relief from anxiety. If managing anxiety becomes challenging, you can consider seeking support from a mental health professional who can provide guidance and tailored strategies to meet your specific needs.