What if, from time to time, we stopped labeling our emotions and natural responses as “good” or “bad”? All of them, even those that we usually consider “negative”, are valuable teachers that invite us to explore our depths. If we learn to understand and manage our emotions, especially anxiety, we can transform them into powerful allies for personal growth.
In this article, we invite you to see anxiety as a driver of change, to discover that certain reactions, instead of being an obstacle, can drive positive changes in our lives. Do you dare to explore this perspective?
First things first: what is anxiety? Let us remember that anxiety is a natural reaction that a person can manifest when they feel under threat from dangers, whether internal or external.
Although we sometimes perceive anxiety as the villain of our movie, it can also be a driver of change. By generating a sense of urgency, it drives us to look for solutions and take measures to improve our situation, which is why, in the right measure, it has a great effect on motivation and productivity.
Causes of anxiety
The factors that trigger anxiety are not always the same, but we will mention some of the most common below:
In short, anxiety is a complex emotion that can be triggered by a variety of factors and is influenced by our thoughts and beliefs. However, it is important to remember that anxiety does not define us and that there are tools and strategies to manage it effectively. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of anxiety and developing healthy coping skills, we can learn to live with it in a more fulfilling and satisfying way.
We are not going to romanticize anything. As we saw, high levels of anxiety can wreak havoc. At the same time, basically, anxiety is an internal alarm that wants you to stay alive and safe. It is an evolutionary response that has allowed us to survive throughout the centuries, preparing us to face dangers and challenges.
But what happens when that alarm goes off without a real threat? In these cases, anxiety can become an obstacle rather than an ally. But it is important to recognize that anxiety also has an adaptive function.
By generating a feeling of alert, it prompts us to act and look for solutions. This sense of urgency can be a powerful motivator, prompting us to study harder for an exam, prepare for a job interview, or seek help when we need it. That is, in its proper measure, it can have an important effect on motivation and productivity.
At its core, anxiety is a tool our brain uses to keep us safe. Like any other tool, it can be used constructively or destructively. When anxiety is at a healthy level, it can be a driver of change and personal growth.. However, when it becomes excessive, it can limit our lives and cause suffering.
In conclusion, anxiety is a complex emotion that can be both an ally and an enemy. Understanding its function and learning to manage it effectively is key to our well-being.
Anxiety and motivation: how are they related?
Anxiety can significantly impact our motivation in stressful situations. According to a recent study, It has been found that people with low levels of anxiety tend to increase their motivation when faced with stresswhile those with high levels of anxiety tend to become demotivated and give up.
In an experiment conducted with rats, it was observed that those with low anxiety remained motivated despite stressful conditions, while rats with high anxiety quickly lost their motivation. This study revealed that the difference in the expression of certain biological receptors, such as CRHR1, is directly related to motivation in stressful situations.
According to Carmen Sandi, a scientist at the EPFL Brain and Mind Institute, this receptor is activated in the presence of stressful situations in animals and has effects on the function of dopaminergic cell groups in the ventral tegmental area (VTA)an area of the brain known for its involvement in controlling motivation.
These findings are not only relevant in the field of animal psychology, but can also shed light on how anxiety can influence our motivation in everyday situations. By better understanding the relationship between anxiety and motivation, we can become more aware of how stress affects us and what steps we can take to maintain our motivation during difficult times.
From all this, we can suggest that anxiety plays a fundamental role in our motivation, and it is important to recognize how our responses to stress can affect our ability to stay focused on our goals.
That is why knowing ourselves and knowing how our emotions work is so important. By having more information about how this relationship works, we can take steps to manage our anxiety and boost our motivation when we need it most.
How to make anxiety a driver of change?
Anxiety can be overwhelming, but it can also present itself as an opportunity to drive positive changes in your life. Here we share some tools that you can use to turn anxiety into an engine of change:
Get organised: Anxiety can help you move, but, in order to go after those goals, you must have order. Define goals that will drive you to use that energy to work towards them in a focused and effective way.
Observe your thoughts when you feel anxious: Are they realistic and do they help you? Questioning them will allow you to distance yourself and change your perspective.
Set realistic goals: Break big goals into smaller, achievable goals. This will give you a sense of achievement and keep you motivated.
Turn anxiety into a source of internal motivation: Use it as a constant reminder of the importance of your goals and desires for personal growth.
Remember your successes: Regardless of their magnitude, remembering your achievements will contribute to sustaining an optimistic mindset.
Focus on what you have, rather than what you lack:** Gratitude can significantly improve your emotional well-being.
