5 Reasons Anxiety is a Good Thing…Sometimes
Anxiety is often seen as a bad thing. We are conditioned to think that stress and anxiety are always negative and should do everything to get rid of them. I mean, who would imagine that anything good could come of your sweaty palms or the knots in your stomach?
Believe it or not, there are some helpful things about anxiety that are often overlooked. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of anxiety and how it can sometimes be a good thing!
Anxiety helps you notice things that matter.
You may already know all about how anxiety can make you more alert, helping you avoid or navigate potential threats and immediate danger. But what about ways anxiety might prove useful in the long-term?
The ability to make quick decisions and react immediately, such as while driving through a dangerous downpour, is just one benefit of anxiety. But have you thought about how it might help you weather the storm in your personal life?
Just like how anxiety makes you aware of what needs to be done to avoid careening across lanes of traffic, it can also bring your awareness to other problems or factors involved in impactful decisions or life-altering choices. For instance, what if there's something about your job or relationship needing attention? Or a major life decision you need to make?
If your anxiety didn't encourage - or rather, nag - you to consider things or care, you might miss something important.
Before hopping on a plane to move across the country, anxiety can be that relentless and unsettling reminder of how much you actually love the east coast or being near your family.
Anxiety can be a great motivator.
In addition to helping you focus on what's important, anxiety can also provide the necessary push to get things done.
This is especially helpful for tasks or projects that we dread but know need to be completed. The fear of failure or disappointing others can often be just the motivating factor we need to get moving.
Think about it – would you have ever finished your college degree if you didn't feel anxious about not having a diploma to show for all your hard work and help you get a job? Or maybe you've wanted to start that business but keep putting it off because of the risk involved.
Feeling anxious about these things can be a good thing, providing the necessary fuel to get you moving in the right direction.
Anxiety makes you more creative.
It's not just about getting things done. Anxiety can also help you be more creative in your approach to tasks and projects.
When we're feeling anxious, our minds are often racing with a million different thoughts. This can lead us to be more creative in our problem-solving and brainstorming.
Anxiety can also lead to new and innovative ideas, as we're constantly trying to find ways to cope or reduce the stress in our lives. This is especially true for those who suffer from chronic anxiety – over time, they often learn how to manage their anxiety and use it to their advantage.
Anxiety enhances traits like empathy.
Do you know that feeling of truly "feeling for" someone else? That's a quality that comes from being able to put yourself in someone's shoes - shoes you've already walked for miles in.
You'd have to try not to respond to someone with compassion or understanding when you see them experiencing the same distressing difficulties. Not only does this sense of perspective make you a better person, but your anxiety can make you a more prudent thinker and leader.
Leaders with anxiety often make better decisions because they can see all sides of an issue and consider all factors. They can also motivate others to take action and support them in their time of need.
Anxiety makes you more human.
In a world that often values the appearance of perfection and strength, it's easy to feel like we need to put up a front and hide our vulnerabilities. Anxiety can make us feel uncomfortable and exposed. It shows us that we are human – just like everyone else.
It can be a relief to know that we're not the only ones who feel overwhelmed or inadequate at times. This shared experience can help us feel more connected to others and build meaningful relationships.
So, the next time you're feeling anxious, try to remember that there might be a silver lining. It's not always easy to see it in the moment, but with some time and reflection, you might be surprised at all the good things anxiety can do for you.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own attorney, accountant, physician, or financial advisor. Always check with your own physician, attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other business or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
