At Re…root, we often meet people who say things like, “I’m just worried all the time”, or “maybe I’m just stressed”. But what we frequently uncover together is that anxiety is more than just ‘feeling a bit worried’. It is often a complex mix of thoughts, feelings, body reactions and patterns that, over time, impact our lives in deeper ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore what anxiety really is, how it shows up, and what you can do about it.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural and common emotional response. We all experience it in some form, for example, before a job interview, when someone we care about is unwell, or when we’re faced with a big change. In these moments, anxiety serves a purpose as it alerts us to potential danger or a need for action.
But when anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, or starts interfering with our ability to live the kind of life we want, then it may be more than just ‘normal worry’.
Anxiety often involves anticipating future threats – real or imagined.
It tends not only to involve the mind (worrying thoughts), but also the body (racing heart, tight chest, restlessness), the behaviour (avoiding situations, procrastinating), and the emotional world (irritability, dread, feeling ‘on edge’).
It can become chronic, staying present long after the original trigger has gone.
Without support, it may have ripple effects into relationships, work, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.
At Re…root, we support individuals with anxiety (among other things) so they can feel better, connect better, and fulfil their potential.
How Anxiety Shows Up
Anxiety is different for each person, but here are some common ways it can manifest:
Thoughts & Mind
- Repetitive worrying – “What if…?” “Suppose this happens…?”
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions because the mind is busy with ‘what-ifs’.
- Imagining worst-case scenarios, even when evidence is weak.
- Feeling like you’re on guard, waiting for something bad to happen.
Body & Physical Sensations
- Racing or pounding heart, sweating, trembling.
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness.
- Digestive problems, such as an upset stomach or nausea.
- Muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue.
- Sleep difficulties such as trouble falling asleep, waking frequently, and restless sleep.
Emotions & Experience
- Feeling dread or impending doom even without a clear cause.
- Irritable or quick to upset.
- Feeling out of control, or like things might ‘tip over’ any moment.
- A sense of being disconnected from self or from others.
Behaviour & Life Impact
- Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, such as social events, public speaking, travel, etc.
- Over-preparing, seeking certainty, or constantly checking things.
- Procrastination because the anxiety around starting is too high.
- Impact on relationships, work performance, sleep, and general enjoyment of life.
Why Does Anxiety Stick Around?
Several things contribute to anxiety becoming persistent:
- Biology – the body’s alarm system (fight/flight/freeze) can become over-sensitive.
- Thinking patterns – habitual worry, perfectionism, and catastrophising feed anxiety.
- Life experiences and trauma – previous difficult events may shape how we perceive threats now.
- Lifestyle and environment – poor sleep, too much caffeine, high stress, and social isolation all make anxiety worse.
- Avoidance – ironically, avoiding things that make us anxious often keeps the anxiety alive as our brain learns “this thing is dangerous” rather than “I can cope”.
What You Can Do: Small Steps Toward Change
The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable, and through therapy and self-care you can learn to live better, feel calmer and more in control. At Re…root we believe you’re not alone with your difficulties, and you can do something to help yourself.
Here are some effective strategies:
1. Recognise and label the anxiety
Just noticing “I’m feeling anxious” can reduce the power. It’s no longer a vague threat; you’re identifying something.
2. Grounding and body work
Since anxiety lives in the body too, practising breathing exercises, gentle movement, stretching, or grounding techniques can help reduce the physical symptoms.
3. Challenge thinking patterns
Ask: What’s the evidence this will happen? What’s another possibility? Practise replacing catastrophising with more balanced thoughts.
4. Gradual exposure instead of avoidance
If you avoid a situation because it makes you anxious, you might stay stuck. With support, you can gradually face the anxiety, learn you can tolerate it, and the fear starts to diminish.
5. Lifestyle adjustments
There are a few lifestyle adjustments you can make to manage anxiety, including prioritising sleep and a consistent routine, limiting caffeine and alcohol as both can increase anxiety, engaging in regular physical activity, and connecting with others as isolation tends to make anxiety worse.
6. Seek professional help
Sometimes we need a skilled therapist to help untangle the threads. At Re…root, we match you with experienced therapists who specialise in anxiety, trauma, panic, and related issues.
Taking the First Step
Anxiety is more than just worry. It’s a whole-body experience, a mindset, a pattern. If left unchecked, it can quietly shape your life in ways you might not even notice until things feel overwhelming.
But with awareness, deliberate action and supportive therapy, you can move from being ruled by anxiety to finding your footing again, building resilience, and living with greater calm and presence.
If your anxiety is preventing you from doing things you want or need to do, causing physical symptoms (palpitations, panic attacks, ongoing tension), persisting for weeks or months without relief, or interfering with sleep, work, or relationships, then reaching out for professional support is a wise step. You don’t have to manage alone.
If you’re finding anxiety hard to manage, we’re here for you. At Re…root, we’ll help you find the right therapist who can walk with you through the anxiety, help you understand it, and support you to feel better and live better.