A common question I get is, “How do I make unwanted feelings, like stress, worry, or anxiety, go away?” I understand—those emotions can feel uncomfortable. But emotions serve a purpose. What if those anxiety-related sensations (racing thoughts, sweaty palms, feeling overwhelmed, or fidgeting) are simply your mind and body trying to tell you something?
Consider this: when you’re sitting at the beach, with the ocean in front of you and the sun on your face, you might feel relaxed and calm. This feeling signals that being at the beach helps you feel grounded, so you know to return when you need that peace. The same goes for “unwanted” emotions. For example, if you notice anxiety before presenting to a crowd, your body might just be alerting you that something important is happening.
Think of emotions as information. By reframing them this way, what once felt overwhelming can start to feel like manageable, everyday stress.
This article does a great job explaining why emotions are important and not something we want to eliminate: The Purpose of Emotions.
About the Author: Candice Beaton
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