Identifying Anxiety in Everyday Life

Stress is an unavoidable part of being human, showing up as physical tension, a persistent sense of unease, or racing thoughts. That sense of unease and racing thoughts can also be anxiety, which is a natural function of the nervous system operating too frequently. It can also manifest as perfectionism, avoidance, physical symptoms, or mental exhaustion.

While we often normalize some or all of these feelings as part of a busy life, problems happen when the nervous system’s threat response never fully turns off and worry becomes a constant backdrop. Fortunately, there are tools you can use to tell your nervous system that it’s time to relax through small, practical shifts. These can be things as simple as exhaling your breath slowly to activate the body’s calming response, naming emotions you’re experiencing to reduce their intensity, moving your body to process stress, and questioning or challenging anxious thoughts. While these tools can help when used consistently, persistent or disruptive anxiety may require deeper support through therapy. A licensed therapist can talk with you to identify the underlying causes and provide structured ways manage anxiety before it becomes overwhelming. Some of the most effective therapeutic approaches for anxiety and stress include Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Todd Thomas of Vital Roots Wellness is trained in each of these methods and can work with you to estabilsh a health relationship with inevitable life stressors. Therapy isn’t necessarily a life-long process, but can be done a few sessions at a time, like a tune-up.