What Does Your Anxiety Feel Like

When Anxiety Feels Like a Stomachache

When Anxiety Feels Like a Stomachache

Your stomach twists.
When Anxiety Feels Like a Tight Chest

When Anxiety Feels Like a Tight Chest

A tight chest can be scary.
How to Get Back to Sleep When Your Mind Won’t Stop Racing

How to Get Back to Sleep When Your Mind Won’t Stop Racing

You lie down tired, but as soon as the light goes off, your brain starts playing a highlight reel.
Splash Cold Water on Your Face to Calm Down Fast

Splash Cold Water on Your Face to Calm Down Fast

When your body feels like it is running too fast, cold water can give you a quick pause.
Take a Five-Minute Reset Walk When You Feel Wound Up

Take a Five-Minute Reset Walk When You Feel Wound Up

When your thoughts start racing and your body feels tight, don’t wait for the feeling to fix itself.
When Anxiety Feels Like an Emergency: A Simple Safety Plan

When Anxiety Feels Like an Emergency: A Simple Safety Plan

Your heart is pounding.
When Anxiety Feels Like an Emergency: What to Do Right Now

When Anxiety Feels Like an Emergency: What to Do Right Now

Your heart is pounding.
How to Calm Your Nerves Before a Presentation

How to Calm Your Nerves Before a Presentation

You have to stand up and talk.
Pocket Comfort Items: A Small Thing That Helps You Feel Less Anxious

Pocket Comfort Items: A Small Thing That Helps You Feel Less Anxious

A small smooth stone in your pocket can do more than you think.
How to Calm Morning Anxiety Before It Takes Over Your Day

How to Calm Morning Anxiety Before It Takes Over Your Day

You wake up and your brain is already busy.
How to Keep Morning Worry From Running Your Whole Day

How to Keep Morning Worry From Running Your Whole Day

You wake up, and before your feet hit the floor, your brain is already busy.
Splash Cold Water on Your Face When a Panic Attack Starts

Splash Cold Water on Your Face When a Panic Attack Starts

When panic hits, your body acts like a loud alarm that will not turn off.

Quick Tips

What does “checking in with my body” even mean?

It simply means taking a quick moment to notice what’s happening inside you physically. Think of it like a quick scan from your head to your toes. You’re not trying to change anything or judge what you find. You’re just noticing. Is your stomach feeling tight? Are your shoulders up by your ears? Is your heart beating fast? Just naming these feelings to yourself is the first step. It helps you understand what’s going on before your feelings get too big and overwhelming.

What if I can’t think of a balanced thought in the moment?

If you’re too upset to think clearly, don’t force it. The first step is to calm your body down. Try taking a slow walk, splashing cold water on your face, or focusing on your breathing for a minute. Once the intense feeling has passed a little, then you can try to find a balanced thought. It’s much harder to think reasonably when you’re in a panic. Be kind to yourself—the goal is to manage the wave of anxiety first, and then work on the thoughts when you feel a bit safer and quieter.

What’s the very first thing I should do when a problem feels too big?

The absolute first step is to grab a piece of paper and just write the big problem down at the top. Seeing it on paper gets it out of your swirling thoughts. Then, without judging or overthinking, start asking one simple question: “What is the very first, tiniest thing I would need to do?“ It might be “Look up a phone number,“ “Send one email,“ or “Clean off my desk.“ Don’t plan the whole thing out. Just find that one, small starting point. Taking that first tiny action is like turning on a light in a dark room.

Why is it so hard to stop negative thoughts?

Telling yourself “stop thinking that!“ doesn’t work well because your brain focuses on the very thing you’re trying to avoid—like being told not to picture a pink elephant. It’s more effective to notice the thought without fighting it. Say to yourself, “Okay, I’m having the thought that this will go badly.“ Then, gently shift your focus to what you’re doing right now, like feeling your feet on the floor or listing three things you can see. This helps the thought lose its power and float away like a cloud.

What questions should I ask about a specific medication they suggest?

Always ask the simple, practical questions. “What is this supposed to do for me?“ and “How long until I might feel a difference?“ are great places to start. Also ask, “What are the side effects I should watch for?“ and “Is there anything I shouldn’t eat or drink while taking this?“ Getting clear answers helps you know what to expect. It also helps you feel more in control and less nervous about starting something new. Your doctor wants you to feel comfortable with the plan.