Anxiety Isn’t Just in Your Head

When we think about anxiety, we often think about worry, racing thoughts, or overthinking. But anxiety can have a very real effect on the body too.

When your brain senses a threat, your nervous system prepares your body to respond. This is why anxiety can cause physical sensations even when you're not in physical danger.

What Anxiety Can Feel Like

Anxiety may show up as:

• Racing or pounding heart

• Tight shoulders or clenched jaw

• Shallow or rapid breathing

• Headaches

• Stomach discomfort

• Sweating or trembling

• Restlessness

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fatigue

Sometimes these sensations can even create more anxiety. You notice your heart racing, become worried about it, and your body becomes even more activated.

Start With the Body

We often try to think our way out of anxiety, but sometimes it helps to start with the body.

Try slowing your breathing, relaxing your shoulders and jaw, taking a short walk, stretching, or simply noticing where you're holding tension.

The goal doesn't always have to be eliminating anxiety completely.

Sometimes the goal is simply to turn down the intensity enough to decide what you want to do next.

Understanding that anxiety affects both the mind and body can make those physical sensations feel less confusing and give you another place to start.

New, severe, or persistent physical symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be caused by anxiety. Consider appropriate medical evaluation when needed.