Challenge anxious thoughts

Imagine tomorrow morning waking up to happy, productive and uplifting thoughts. “I can’t wait to start the day”, you say as you rise and shine. “As if,” you’re probably thinking. Today, I share some ways I’m challenging anxiety to start moving into action (despite the self-doubt, perfectionistic thinking, and the need for 100% control). (4.5.25.)

Imagine a day without anxiety

You know the “What’s your ideal day look like?” question, and then the follow-up question, “What can you integrate into your normal day?”

Well, the equivalent therapy question is:

🌅 Imagine tomorrow you woke up with no anxiety—how would you know it was gone? What would feel different?

For me, I’d wake up alert and clear about my goals. I’d be excited and lively, knowing that I can work in a messy but flowing way, letting go of all the little irritations easily.

I’d take nothing personally. All the setbacks? I’d take it with a pinch of salt, smiling, knowing that my intention and focus would create momentum.

I’d sprinkle enjoyable activities like writing, stretching, praying, walking, meditating, and reading into my day to uplift my soul and connect me with a higher purpose.

I’d work hard but not be stressed out. I’d concentrate on what’s on the other side, knowing that any hardship is just fuel to the fire, making me stronger and more confident that I can handle hard things. I stretch myself because I want to fulfil my potential.

I’d end the day with a nutritious meal that I enjoyed making, lighting a candle, praying and giving thanks for being alive, staying in the moment (without thinking - “What do I need to do next?”)

My baby’s tantrums? I’d see him as a beautiful soul, whatever state he is in, guiding him with strength and patience towards his highest path.

In general, I’d feel alive, energetic, hopeful, and confident that I can handle the ups and downs, have a strong, unshakable faith, and practice mindful rituals.

And when an anxious, unhelpful thought comes? I’d shake it away effortlessly, only focusing on the next best step.

I know in my soul: Each hardship is making me more emotionally resilient.

4 questions to challenge anxious thoughts

Anxiety looks like for me

For me, anxiety strikes when I pressurise myself to be perfect, to have control of every moment, and need 100% certainty that it will all work out. When I do something and it fails, I link the result to my self-worth and go on a downward spiral.

I tend to overthink, overplan, and over-worry. This is emotionally exhausting. Recently, I’ve started embodied therapy to get more connected to my body and to take any action (instead of needing everything to be perfect before I start).

The antidote is to see mess, failure and roadblocks as adding to my emotional resilience. Failure is not failure until you don’t get back up again. If you’re continually trying, learning and growing, that is the win. Not the shiny trophy at the end.

Questions to challenge anxiety

1. 🌿 What is one small thing I can do right now to support myself?

2. 💭 What fear-based story is my mind telling me?

3. 🌤 What would I do if I trusted that things would work out?

4. 🧘‍♀️ What do I need in this moment—rest, movement, expression, or connection?

5. 💡 If I didn’t need to do it perfectly, what would be my first step?

6. 💬 What would I tell a friend who was feeling exactly like this?

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