736: Taking a stand against anxiety when it makes you feel small
In this episode of Anxiety Slayer, we explore how anxiety often sneaks into our lives in ways we don’t expect—causing us to feel small, overly self-critical, or as if we're carrying the weight of the world alone. Sometimes, these feelings show up as vulnerability, perfectionism, or the nagging urge to second-guess ourselves. Recognizing these as faces of anxiety is the first compassionate step toward healing.
ANXIETY SLAYER IS SPONSORED BY BETTERHELP
Have you told yourself that therapy is too expensive?
We Understand. Traditional in-person therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 per session. When you choose BetterHelp online therapy, you can save, on average, up to 50% per session. With BetterHelp, you pay a flat fee for weekly sessions and you can get quality care at a price that makes sense and can help you with anything from anxiety to everyday stress.
Therapy is excellent for learning positive coping skills and how to set boundaries; and empowers you to be the best version of yourself
With over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform
Simply join a session with the click of a button!
Your well-being is worth it.
Visit betterhelp.com/slayer today to get 10% off your first month.
Points covered in this episode:
The things that make our lives small that we don’t associate with being anxious
Some examples of how anxiety can creep in and shrink our sense of self-worth:
Feeling vulnerable, or transparent, thinking everyone can see inside our head, or see what we’re struggling with.
Feeling judged by whoever we’re with. Or feeling the need to over explain ourselves.
Feeling nervous about speaking up for ourself.
Worrying that we’ll look stupid.
Feeling pressure to achieve and be seen to be OK.
And being harsh with ourselves if we can’t achieve what we feel we should.
What helps?
Getting grounded and working on building our personal peace and self-trust. Then giving careful thought to the responses of others. Kind people don’t judge, or consider others stupid. Make room to relax with those you can trust and see where you can distance yourself or put boundaries in place with those who increase your anxiety.
Considering realistic expectations, both from others, and from ourself. Supporting ourselves in knowing when we’ve given our best and when it’s time to rest.
Seeing where we can reclaim space
By setting healthy boundaries. (How we respond to the expectations of others tells them how much they can push us.)
Lifestyle changes
Get up early and make choices to care for your mind and body
Gifts we give ourselves - meditation, journaling, listening to podcasts, walking, etc.
Don’t be defined by anxiety
It’s easy to be defined by our struggles. But when we focus on our strengths, and developing our natural abilities, we can push back against anxiety and regain space.
Journaling Prompts
Take a few moments with a pen and paper to reflect on the following:
What are you naturally good at?
What are three things you love to do?
What brings you peace of mind?
What consistently makes you smile?
Keep that paper somewhere where you can refer to it daily.
Start looking at where anxiety is shrinking your space and stealing your joy, and choose to make small steps to express your natural abilities and actively invite what brings you peace of mind into each day.
For more anxiety support, join us on our Patreon where you can get a deeper dive into some of the topics we cover as well as over 200 downloads, including all of our guided relaxations and Tapping Sessions. Learn more at https://www.patreon.com/anxietyslayer