Lions, & rocks, & mice, oh my! Thoughts on anxiety and why we get anxious

Hey there! Today, I want to dive a little deeper into the topic of anxiety. Don't worry, I won't get too technical. But it's important to understand that worry, fear, and anxiety actually serve an evolutionary purpose. Back in the day, when our ancestors were constantly in danger of being eaten by lions, anxiety helped them anticipate problems and plan accordingly. It literally saved their lives.  Fast forward to today, and we're not as likely to be eaten by lions (thank goodness!). But our fight or flight response, which is the same system that helped our ancestors, still kicks in when we perceive a threat. The problem is, sometimes this response gets triggered even when there is no real danger. That's where learning how to work with and heal our anxiety becomes important. I used to think I was just shy, but then I experienced a traumatic event that triggered intense anxiety. It made me realize that I had been anxious all along, worrying about what others thought of me and constantly fearing judgment. There were many factors contributing to my anxiety, both external and internal, but the point is, I was anxious a lot. Anxiety can be useful in certain situations, but it can also spiral out of control. Minor or nonexistent threats can produce overwhelming concerns. We can have a panic attack over something as simple as being stuck in traffic. But with mindfulness, we can learn to recognize when our minds are mistaking mice for lions. We can regulate our nervous system, anchor ourselves in the present moment, and reframe our thoughts to defang our worries and fears. I know it's not always easy. It takes practice and patience. But the more we cultivate mindfulness, the more we can find ease in our day-to-day lives. We can learn to respond rather than react, and make choices from a place of wisdom and calm. So, as we wrap up this week, I invite you to take some time to notice your state of mind. Are you caught up in worry and anxiety? Are you mistaking mice for lions? Take a few mindful breaths and choose how you want to respond. And remember, you can always reach out to me on Instagram at @themindfulnessjourney with any questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes. Take care, be well, and have a peaceful week ahead.