Shifting the Mindset: Overcoming Anxiety with Trust

Anxiety doesn’t stem from the actual situation but rather from our thoughts about it.

And as we know, we can't change situations or escape difficult ones; we can only change our perspective—our thoughts.

Here’s how to work with those thoughts.

1. Journal: Have a journaling dialogue with yourself. Write out your thoughts, feelings, fears and worries as a conversation between a worried child and a curious, compassionate parent/friend who listens without giving advice or encouragement.

2. Shift Perspective: Replace negative thoughts about what could go wrong with a sense of excitement about what could go right, and consider what you can and will learn from the experience.

3. Reflect on Past Resilience: Recall similar situations you’ve faced before, and remember how you got through them, becoming wiser and stronger.

4. Distract Yourself: Replace ruminating in thoughts with activities of doing to engage your focus on being present in the moment.

5. Focus on the Present: Stay grounded by concentrating just on tasks that can and need be done TODAY, even if you need to invent small, manageable ones.

6. Relax and Breathe: Sip on some calming tea, and remind yourself to breathe more deeply and slowly throughout the day.

7. Practice Hope and Trust: Remind yourself to trust the process and believe that whatever happens, happens for our good.