If you have ever attended a job interview, then you must know what anxiety is. You may have spent several days preparing, but the moment you sit down facing the people interviewing you, anxiety sets in, and you start struggling to answer the same questions you prepared so well for.
This is what anxiety can do to you.
Anxiety is something that we all experience at some point in our lives. It is that nagging feeling of worry, fear, or unease that creeps up when you least expect it. It can be so bad that it can make you appear so incompetent. Whether it’s worrying about making a big presentation at work, fretting over a loved one’s health, or just feeling overwhelmed by life’s many demands, anxiety can make even the simplest tasks feel so monumental.
The Nature of Anxiety
It’s important to understand that anxiety isn’t all bad. It’s a natural response to stress and can actually be helpful in certain situations, like keeping us alert and focused when we need to be. However, when anxiety becomes constant and overwhelming, it can interfere with our normal daily activities and well-being.
Imagine you’re driving a car, and anxiety is like a warning light on the dashboard. When it flickers on occasionally, it’s a helpful reminder to pay attention. But if it’s always on, it can be distracting and exhausting.
How I Overcome My Anxiety When Speaking in Public
I remember a time when I was absolutely terrified of public speaking. I was very introverted, and I’d rather die than stand in front of people to talk. I get tongue-tied all the time.
The first time I stood to speak in front of people was when I was in high school. I was asked to take an evening devotional at the school chapel. I almost died. The only thing that kept me standing was the stone pulpit I was leaning on. If it was these modern pulpits, I would have been on the ground.
However, at some point, I realised I needed to overcome this limitation if I was to be successful. I don’t know where I got the idea from, but I just knew it. So, I started putting myself in such situations so I would get used to them.
At the university, I volunteered to lead tutorial sessions for my classmates. You should have seen me on the first day. My voice shook, and I could barely get the words out. Everybody could see that I was shaking, but I persisted. Over time, I learned to manage my anxiety. I continued to volunteer to take the classes, first among my immediate classmates, and gradually took on larger classes.
I reminded myself that it was okay to make mistakes and that the audience was on my side. Slowly but surely, I became more comfortable. Now, I actually enjoy public speaking and see it as an opportunity to share my ideas and connect with others. By the time I got to my final year, I was nicknamed “The Tutorial Master.” No one believed me when I told them I was an introvert, and I struggled to speak in public.
Practical Steps to Overcome Anxiety
If you’re dealing with anxiety right now, at least you know that you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to deal with this.
One of the first steps is to identify what’s triggering your anxiety. Sometimes, just recognising the source of your worry can be a huge relief. When my brain starts spinning out worst-case scenarios, I try to step back and ask myself, “Is this really likely to happen?” More often than not, the answer is a big fat nope. It’s like being your own reality check, and it gets easier with practice.
Another way is through breathing exercises. When you’re feeling anxious, your breathing tends to become shallow and rapid. So, take a moment to focus on your breath, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This simple practice can calm your nervous system and help you feel more grounded.
Mindfulness is another powerful tool. It’s all about staying present in the moment and observing your thoughts without judgment. Imagine you’re sitting by a river, watching leaves float by on the water. Each leaf represents a thought or feeling. Instead of getting swept away by the current, you simply watch the leaves pass by. This practice can help you gain perspective and prevent you from getting caught up in a whirlwind of anxiety.
Lastly, talking to someone you trust can also make a big difference. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, sharing your feelings can lighten the load and provide valuable support. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else understands what you’re going through can be incredibly comforting.
Final Thoughts
I’m not going to pretend I’ve got it all figured out. I still get anxious sometimes, but the difference now is that I know how to deal with it. I’m not perfect, and that’s okay. It’s all about progress, not perfection.
Remember, overcoming anxiety is a journey, not a destination. If you’re struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone. Be patient with yourself, try out different techniques to see what works for you, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Whether you’re facing a fear, practising a new coping strategy, or simply getting through a tough day, each step forward is progress. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. We’re all in this together, and I believe you will overcome it!
So, what are your go-to anxiety-fighting strategies? Drop a comment below, and let’s share with each other. Stay awesome, friends!
