Anxiety and fear, often misunderstood, are actually natural responses that help us prepare for potential threats. In stressful situations, our body gets ready to fight or flee by boosting energy, increasing cardiovascular and muscle activity, and slowing down digestion, growth, and immune functions. This heightened state of alertness can actually be beneficial in certain situations.
Anxiety serves a protective function, guiding us away from danger. It helps us focus on what's important, and many athletes perform better under its influence! However, excessive anxiety can impair rational thinking, leading to exaggerated perceptions of danger.
People with anxiety can learn to recognize its physical symptoms, such as a racing heart and shortness of breath, to redirect their focus away from catastrophic thoughts.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, informally known as CBT is one approach used to manage anxiety. It focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and behaviours and accepting emotions rather than resisting them.
Let's consider a real-life scenario: You walk into a room and hear laughter. By interpreting the situation positively (they acknowledged my presence) rather than negatively (they were laughing at me), you can experience more positive emotions and engage in more productive actions. This simple shift in thought can have a significant impact on your behaviour and emotional well-being.
CBT aims to empower individuals to take control of their anxiety by teaching them to interpret their thoughts more constructively.
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