Anxiety is something everyone experiences. It’s part of being human. But for many people, anxiety feels overwhelming—like it’s controlling your thoughts, emotions, and body all at once.
Anxiety tells us we need certainty. It convinces us that if we could just know things will turn out okay, we could finally relax. But the truth is, we live in a world that’s unpredictable and often hard. Jobs change, people get sick, relationships shift, and loss happens.
While there isn’t a magic cure for anxiety, there are ways to reduce its hold on your life. You can learn to understand what’s fueling it, manage it more effectively, and find peace even when circumstances don’t change.
1. Pay Attention to What You’re Believing
When we’re anxious, we often react automatically to what we feel—without realizing the beliefs driving those feelings. Between the emotion and the reaction, there’s an important middle step: what you’re telling yourself about the situation.
For example, if someone makes a comment about your appearance and you already believe you’re unattractive, your reaction will likely be strong. But if you believe your worth isn’t tied to others’ opinions, the same comment may barely register.
You can’t change your response until you identify the belief behind it. Start asking yourself, What am I telling myself right now—and is it true?
2. Stay Connected
Anxiety thrives in isolation. When we’re overwhelmed, our instinct is to pull away from others, telling ourselves we don’t want to be a burden or that no one will understand. But connection is one of the most powerful antidotes to anxiety.
Reach out to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or counselor—and share honestly how you’re feeling. When you let others in, you remind your anxious mind that you’re not alone.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
So much of life is outside our control: other people’s choices, outcomes we can’t predict, circumstances we didn’t ask for. Focusing on what you can’t control only fuels anxiety.
Shift your attention to what is within your reach:
- Your own reactions and boundaries
- How you care for your body and mind
- The thoughts and truths you choose to focus on
When you release what’s beyond your control, you create space for peace, clarity, and even joy.
4. Pray and Surrender the Rest
Prayer doesn’t make hard things disappear, but it reminds us that we’re not in control—and we don’t have to be. Bringing your worries to God offers perspective: He is bigger than your circumstances.
Whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection, the serenity prayer, or a simple “God, help me,” prayer helps you shift from fear to trust. It’s in those moments that many people begin to experience peace that surpasses understanding.
Learning to Manage Anxiety
You may not be able to eliminate anxiety completely, but you can learn to manage it in healthy, life-giving ways. With time, practice, and support, it’s possible to live with more calm and confidence.
If anxiety is keeping you from feeling like yourself, our anxiety counseling in Ambler, Pennsylvania can help. Our therapists provide a compassionate, practical approach that helps you identify triggers, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build tools to cope with stress.
Related Reading
You might also like our post on How to Love Someone with Anxiety, which offers insight for supporting anxious loved ones while maintaining your own emotional health.
About the Author
Katie Bailey, MA, LPC, is the founder and a Licensed Professional Counselor at Lime Tree Counseling in Ambler, Pennsylvania. With more than 20 years of experience, she helps people move from feeling overwhelmed to connected by offering therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationships. Along with her team of licensed therapists, she provides compassionate, evidence-based counseling to individuals and couples throughout Pennsylvania.
FAQs About Managing Anxiety
Can I really get rid of anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural human response, so it can’t be completely eliminated—but it can be managed so it no longer controls your life.
Why do I feel anxious even when things are fine?
Sometimes anxiety stems from deeper fears, past experiences, or patterns of thought that develop over time. Therapy can help uncover and address these roots.
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is a reaction to a specific situation; anxiety is a persistent state of worry that can linger even when things seem okay.
Can faith help with anxiety?
Many people find that prayer and spiritual reflection bring comfort and perspective, helping them feel grounded even when life feels uncertain.