Embrace Your Anxiety, Replace Fear With Enthusiasm
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Embrace Your Anxiety, Replace Fear With Enthusiasm

What if we used our understanding of anxiety to translate that fear of the uncertain to enthusiasm, as it produces the same exact feeling?

234
https://www.pexels.com/photo/carefree-child-childhood-countryside-259704/
Pexels

One of the most common feelings individuals struggle with is anxiety.

A lot of people have such severe anxiety that it becomes a disorder; while some people experience anxiety less frequently in their lives, but still enough to be able to recognize the feeling.

Anxiety is a feeling that can be hard to define. Google has two general definitions of anxiety. One is "a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome." The other is "a desire to do something, typically accompanied by unease."

The first definition focuses on worry, while the second one focuses on desire. Both of these feelings contribute to anxiety. Anxiety occurs when you are scared, nervous, excited, enthusiastic, uneasy, and more.

The feeling we associate with anxiety is often the negative connotations; the worry and the fear. Rightfully so, as that is what we know. However, knowing that the same feeling is also associated with excitement and enthusiasm can help us feel less fearful when approaching uncertainty or unease.

Think back to when you were younger and approaching the first day of school. Do you remember the feeling on that very first morning? It was a strange feeling, for me, at least. I remember hearing the two mixed perceptions that day.

"I'm scared to go back."

"I'm excited to go back."

Knowing what I know now, I can see most people were feeling anxiety that day, while some translated it to fear, and others excitement. Personally, I had always been confused by that feeling because of the uneasiness, but I remembered the excitement I held at the same time.

I had the same feeling I had on Christmas Eve. I had so much anxiety in me that it was hard to sleep but easy to wake up. It is a hard concept to explain, but having experienced it makes it completely understandable.

Those who are familiar with anxiety will understand the horror of the fear we feel. But what if we used our understanding of anxiety to translate that fear of the uncertain to enthusiasm, as it produces the same exact feeling?

Think of that big presentation you have coming up for a class or for your work. The thought of it can sometimes get your heart racing due to normal anxiety; talking and presenting in front of others often will give us adrenaline and cause anxiety. Now, when we feel this, we normally become fearful.

"I don't want to present."

"I'm nervous."

You hear this all the time before an event as such. Though, to give us the most confidence, we can use that feeling we have inside and translate it to the excitement.

"I can't wait to present!"

"I'm so excited!"

It all feels the same; it is just how we express ourselves.

Of course, it is hard to do, as our minds are programmed to think in our own ways. Though, if you can train your mind to replace fear with enthusiasm whenever you feel that sense of anxiety, you will find just how much easier your life can become.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71558
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133527
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments