By admin 
How long have you been anxious?
Anxiety often feels like an overwhelming fog, clouding our judgment and leaving us grasping for clarity. While we might try deep breathing or mindfulness, breaking free can seem impossible. The good news? A simple yet powerful method can help regain control over your anxiety: naming it.
Why Naming Your Anxiety Helps
When overwhelmed, we often view anxiety as a vague threat. However, anxiety usually stems from specific sources. Psychologist Dr. Brené Brown states, “Naming the emotions we feel gives us power over them.” By identifying your feelings, you can tackle them more effectively.
For example, if checking your email causes anxiety, label it as “work-related anxiety” or “fear of missing deadlines.” This clarity helps you understand the root cause, allowing you to take practical steps to alleviate it.
Real-Life Examples
Take Sarah, a university student who felt constant anxiety about her future. When she reflected on her fears, she realized her stress stemmed from “performance anxiety,” tied to seeking approval from others. By naming it, she could shift her focus from external validation to self-growth, significantly easing her burden.
John, a mid-level manager, feared for his job security. Every minor mistake left him paralyzed with anxiety. When he identified it as “job insecurity anxiety,” he took proactive steps, such as discussing his concerns with his supervisor, which gave him peace of mind.
The Psychological Power of Naming Emotions
Research from UCLA supports this strategy, showing that naming emotions helps regulate the brain’s response to stress. Psychiatrist Dan Siegel calls this “name it to tame it.” By labeling our emotions, we reduce their intensity and regain control.
Here’s how you can start naming your anxiety:
1. **Pause and Acknowledge:** When you feel anxious, take a moment to breathe and acknowledge the feeling.
2. **Identify the Source:** Reflect on what’s causing your anxiety. Break it down into specific, manageable pieces.
3. **Name It:** Label your anxiety—whether it’s “social anxiety” or “financial stress.” This makes it feel less overwhelming.
4. **Take Action:** Once you’ve named your anxiety, think of steps to address it. Organize your tasks, set boundaries, or schedule important appointments to ease your mind.
Personally, I struggled with “Sunday night anxiety.” I dreaded the start of the workweek until I realized it stemmed from feeling unprepared. Once I started organizing my tasks on Sunday evenings, my anxiety eased, and my Sundays became peaceful again.
The takeaway? Naming your anxiety empowers you. It transforms a vague, overwhelming emotion into something you can tackle, giving you clarity and the strength to face it head-on.