Shifting Focus: How to Manage Anxiety Beyond Your Thoughts
Part of changing your reaction is to put your focus somewhere else, to pay attention somewhere else...I am safe, even though I am uncomfortable and afraid, that my thoughts and feelings are strong but wrong and that there are other things that I can possibly pay attention to.
Ever feel like your mind is a relentless loop of anxious thoughts? You're not alone. In this episode of 'The Anxious Truth', Drew Linsalata invites you to step outside your own head and shift your focus to the world around you. Drew delves into the idea that our thoughts and feelings, while powerful, aren't the only things happening in our lives.
He introduces the concept of 'self as context' from acceptance and commitment therapy, which encourages us to recognize and engage with external factors instead of being trapped in our anxious minds. Imagine being able to notice the world around you even when anxiety strikes. Sounds liberating, right? Drew explains how practicing attention shifting can help you realize that while your thoughts and sensations might be intense, they aren't always accurate.
By focusing on external events and activities, you can learn to feel safe even in moments of discomfort. This episode is packed with practical advice on how to develop this skill over time, making it easier to manage anxiety symptoms. Whether you're dealing with panic attacks or just everyday stress, Drew's insights offer a fresh perspective on how to live more fully despite anxiety.
So, if you're looking for a new way to handle those overwhelming thoughts, this episode might just be what you need.