One night last week, I got out of bed at 2 am to fold clothes and update my planner because anxiety was stealing sleep from me. I was so frustrated because I felt like anxiety was taking something I needed. For most of my anxiety-ridden life, I’ve wanted desperately to cure myself of my anxiety, to wish it away, to see it just exit my life for good. However, when I really think about it, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without it and the benefits of anxiety have, in fact, carved some of what I consider to be the best things about me.
So, take what you want, anxiety; you can’t win. I’ll keep on finding things to gain.
Benefits of Anxiety
I know anxiety can make you feel small, like there’s nothing left in you, and as if you have no control over your life. So, I needed to share these benefits of anxiety with you because I’m positive that you can find something positive that all of the overwhelm, unease, and nervousness has built within you. Anxiety has given me:
Self-awareness
I know I need to keep an eye out for the early signs that it’s coming on. I’m very in tune with myself because I know if I catch it early enough, I can keep it at bay and even use anxiety for good. But, if I neglect it and don’t continuously check in with myself, that’s when it takes over and starts hindering my life, business, and creativity.
Motivation
I don’t like being told I can’t do something, even when that voice is coming from inside my own head. Many days are filled with my inner self bashing my ideas and efforts, but I’m almost always able to push through it because I’m determined to prove that part of myself wrong.
Empathy for others
I know what it’s like when struggles and worry consume you. I can also sense when someone else is having a hard time, which probably has something to do with the self-awareness anxiety has given me. Basically, if you’re struggling, there’s no fooling me and I can see right through you.
Appreciation for moments of peace
When you’re always expecting things to go wrong, it’s a breath of fresh air when they actually go right. I try my hardest to linger in moments like that.
Time alone
It’s always so noisy in my head and I like time by myself so that I can let myself think and sort stuff out. Because of that, I appreciate time alone without feeling lonely.
Less fear
Sure, I’m terrified of saying the wrong thing in a social conversation, I have to check my alarm approximately 9 times before I go to sleep just to make sure it’s going to wake me up at the right time, and I often circle back around my neighborhood once I leave my house just to make sure I closed the garage, BUT things like starting a business or becoming a yoga teacher didn’t completely scare the shit out of me.
Strong friendships
I’ve shared with you before that making friends isn’t the easiest thing for me. But, once someone can get past how awkward I am at small-talk, and that I don’t respond to text messages for like 18 days, I’m a pretty great person to talk to about life’s tough stuff.
A Waze-like look on life
Yes, there are many times when my anxiety makes it nearly impossible to make even the smallest decisions, but it also helps me see and weigh a variety of outcomes from every possible angel. I often find myself in situations where I see solutions, concerns, and routes that no one else around me thought of. I always have, at minimum, a plan Plan B and a Plan C in my back pocket at all times.
No comfort zone
Because I feel anxious most of the time, I’m always uncomfortable. Therefore, the concept of a comfort zone is pretty much non-existent unless we’re talking about jammies coming straight out of the dryer and an evening spent watching Netflix. I might not do something because I talk myself into thinking it won’t work, or I don’t go somewhere because I don’t have to energy for it, but I’m never afraid to do something just because it’s going to make me feel uncomfortable.
Connection
Most importantly, it’s given me a bridge of connection to so many of you! A few years ago, if you would have told me telling the world about my struggles with anxiety would actually help grow my brand, business, and community, I would have literally laughed in your face.
From Our Reader: Mindfulness
This one comes from our reader Megan Kubasch (mamas, you will adore her blog, Mama Brilliance!): “Anxiety has given me the ability to be mindful about my thoughts and feelings, and recognize that if I’m feeling a certain way there is a reason behind it. It allows me to take stock of where I’m at mentally or physically and make changes to get me to where I want to be.”
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Now, I challenge you to sit and think for a few moments about what anxiety has actually given you. I’d be completely honored if you’d share what you come up with in the comments section below!
PS – If you’re a chronic anxiety sufferer like me, a few things that help me get through life are:
- A daily routine designed for mental strength
- This strategy for turning around a mental breakdown
- These apps designed for improving mental health
- Writing in (of flipping through) my Mood Booster Journal
- Picking my mental health over my inbox
- Having a “Not To Do” List to stay productive
