Anxiety is not all that bad. Sometimes, in the proper amount, it can be useful; for example, a small amount of anxiety could be a motivator to put in effort in the task before us. Top athletes have been known to rely on the rush of energy and increased focus that comes from mild anxiety. They often use visualization to see the outcomes of their actions. Introverts experience anxiety when they have to do a presentation before a sea of faces. Such anxieties could be overcome by using intentional deep breathing, or using visualization techniques to “see” successful outcomes, or even befriending your inner critique and telling it to be your collaborator to bring an important message to the audience.

“When we hear the inner critic being harsh, we could notice it, recognize it, thank it for trying to help, remind ourselves that we would never say things like that to someone we care about and see if we can be a little more kind to ourselves.”

Ruth Baer, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of Kentucky

Follow this link to read an article, “How to make friends with your inner critic” in The Washington Post, 21 Sep 2022.

How is anxiety affecting you?

Is your anxiety affecting your behaviour? For example, you stay home more instead of going out with friends because you feel you are unable to contribute to their conversations? Is your anxiety causing you to avoid school or work? Do you feel anxious without a face mask?

Avenues of help

You could try speaking to a family member or close friend/s about how you are feeling. However, family members and friends may not be experts on how to deal with anxiety, so you may want to seek professional help; for example, getting in touch with a doctor, a counsellor or a psychotherapist.