{"id":6503,"date":"2020-04-09T09:57:35","date_gmt":"2020-04-09T08:57:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trustedcoachdirectory.com\/?p=6503"},"modified":"2022-02-15T16:13:56","modified_gmt":"2022-02-15T16:13:56","slug":"dealing-with-anxious-thoughts-and-feelings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trustedcoachdirectory.com\/dealing-with-anxious-thoughts-and-feelings\/","title":{"rendered":"Dealing with anxious thoughts and feelings"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dealing with anxious thoughts and feelings<\/strong><\/p>\n

A situation like the present coronavirus epidemic can leave many of us feeling very uncomfortable and anxious. And this anxiety can spill over in all kinds of unwelcome and unhelpful ways.<\/p>\n

It might take the form of preoccupation with the rolling news. It might turn into irritability and impatience with those close to us. It might result in fear and isolation from sources of help and assistance.<\/p>\n

While nobody enjoys feeling anxious, anxiety is in a sense our mind\u2019s way of warning us of danger. It actually serves a purpose and keeps us alert to threats. But it\u2019s a bit of a blunt instrument, is easily activated, and leaves us unsettled and concerned.<\/p>\n

Dr. Steven Hayes<\/a>, leading researcher and practitioner in the field of psychological flexibility<\/a>, describes our mind as a \u2018thinking engine\u2019 – one without an off switch. This means that our mind will constantly gives us thoughts, images, memories, predictions and emotions. Our job is not to control this stream of content, but rather to act in helpful ways, despite the discomfort they bring.<\/p>\n

What does psychological flexibility tell us about thoughts and emotions?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Firstly, thoughts are just thoughts. They\u2019re not necessarily facts, or threats. Many of the thoughts that our mind gives us are predictions and worries about a future that hasn\u2019t even happened. So the first step is to see thoughts as they are, rather than what they say they are.<\/p>\n

Secondly, thoughts and emotions are neither bad nor good. Instead, it\u2019s helpful to view our inner experiences as either being helpful or unhelpful, depending on the context. So if we can see a thought as unhelpful, as we\u2019re trying to focus on something else in our immediate environment, it\u2019s a bit easier to let it float off.<\/p>\n

The emotions we experience in the middle of a crises are completely legitimate. The important thing is to acknowledge them and give them space. Not deny them or attempt to suppress them. When we struggle to somehow change our thoughts and emotions, we take our focus off what\u2019s happening around us and get caught up in a battle we can\u2019t win.<\/p>\n

Unpleasant emotions don\u2019t last forever. In fact, we can sit with an emotion and notice as it passes – without having to take the action it demands. In other words, we can feel a strong emotion, but act in a very different way. They\u2019re strong indicators, but terrible signposts.<\/p>\n

So here are a few suggestions on how to deal with the anxiety that we\u2019ll all feel occasionally during this unprecedented global emergency:<\/strong><\/p>\n