Top 5 Habits of Women With Anxiety (And How to Break Them)
Anxiety is a sneaky little jerk. It can convince you that you're not good enough, that you're unworthy of love and happiness, and that you'll never be successful. Anxiety thrives on habits- many women with anxiety find themselves engaging in these habits without even realizing it. The good news is that they are habits, which means they can be broken!
We will discuss the top 5 habits of women with anxiety, and how to break them!
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear. It can be mild or severe. Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives- it is a normal and natural emotion. However, some people experience anxiety on a more regular basis, and it can interfere with their daily lives. This is when anxiety becomes a problem.
There are five major types of anxiety disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Social Anxiety Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder in the United States, affecting 40 million adults (that's 19.1% of the adult population). Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as hormonal changes, brain chemistry, and life experiences. Women with anxiety often find themselves stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors. This can make it difficult to break out of the habit of anxiety.
What causes anxiety?
There is not one single cause of anxiety. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Anxiety can also be triggered by certain events or experiences (such as trauma or stress).
What is the impact of anxiety?
Anxiety can have a big impact on your life. It can cause physical symptoms (such as sweating, racing heart, or dizziness), emotional symptoms (such as fear, worry, or irritability), and behavioral symptoms (such as avoidance, procrastination, or difficulty concentrating). Anxiety can also lead to problems in your personal relationships and at work.
So, what habits do women with anxiety tend to have?
Stress can have a devastating effect on us if we don't take steps to relieve it. When stress is chronic, the human body's tolerance for stress grows increasingly limited. Every person reacts to worry and anxiety in their own way. Some of these coping strategies become habits, particularly harmful ones.
The reason that bad behavior may form during stressful times is that we are so preoccupied with our thoughts that we begin acting out as a means of distraction.
Here are the top 5 habits of women with anxiety, and how to break them:
Habit #1. Worrying excessively
Women with anxiety tend to worry about things that they can't control. They might worry about their health, their finances, their relationships, or the future. Worrying excessively can lead to sleep problems, headaches, and stomach problems. It can also make it difficult to concentrate or focus on tasks.
Breaking the habit:
One of the best ways to break this habit is to learn how to meditate. Meditation helps you focus on the present moment and let go of your worries about the future. There are many different ways to meditate, so find one that works best for you and stick with it! You can also try journaling or talking to a therapist about your anxiety.
Check out our guided meditations.
Habit #2. Putting things off or avoiding them entirely
Women with anxiety tend to avoid things that make them anxious. They might procrastinate on projects at work, put off going to the doctor, or even self-care. This can lead to even more anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. Ever notice it gets harder to do the thing the longer you put it off? YIKES
Breaking the habit:
If you're avoiding going to the doctor, start by making an appointment for a physical. If you're procrastinating on a project at work, start by doing one small task. Once you've started, it will be easier to keep going. You can also try setting a deadline for yourself or breaking the project into smaller pieces. Baby steps!
Habit #3. Avoiding social situations
Women with anxiety tend to avoid social situations. They might cancel plans with friends, avoid going to parties or other events, and generally stay home. This can lead to feeling isolated and lonely.
Breaking the habit:
The best way to break this habit is to push yourself to be around people as much as possible. This can be difficult, of course, and it's important to remember that the more you do it, the easier it will become, and there's a benefit- the more you show up, the more people get excited to see you!
You can also try joining a club or group that meets regularly. This will give you a chance to socialize in a structured and supportive environment.
Habit #4. You're always "on guard"
Women with anxiety tend to be "on guard" all the time. They might be constantly checking their phone, email, or social media. They might be worried about what other people think of them. They might also be hypervigilant, which means they're always on the lookout for danger. This can lead to feeling tense and stressed all the time.
Breaking the habit:
The best way to break this habit is to practice relaxation techniques. This can be anything from deep breathing exercises to yoga or Tai Chi. Find something that works for you and make it a part of your daily routine. You can also try aromatherapy or meditation to help you relax.
Habit #5. You're a perfectionist
Women with anxiety tend to be perfectionists. They strive for perfection in all areas of their lives, and they beat themselves up when they don't meet their high standards. This habit can lead to a lot of stress and frustration, which can make anxiety worse.
Breaking the habit:
The best way to break this habit is to learn to accept yourself for who you are. This includes your mistakes and flaws. Remember that nobody is perfect! You can also try setting realistic goals for yourself and celebrating your accomplishments, no matter how small they may be.
Ways to overcome anxiety
There are a variety of ways to reduce anxiety to improve emotional well-being. The following are some ideas for you to consider.
Acknowledge and accept your anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion. It’s how our bodies and minds respond to stress. Anxiety is within us, it is controllable and manageable with the right tools.
Challenge your negative thoughts
Anxious people often have negative, Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs). These are thoughts that pop into our heads without us even realizing it. Once you’re aware of them, you can start to challenge and reframe them.
Read more: How to Stop Negative Self-Talk
Change your lifestyle habits
Certain lifestyle habits can make anxiety worse. These include things like poor sleep habits, bad nutrition, using alcohol or drugs to cope, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Making changes in these areas can help reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that involves paying attention to the present moment. This can help you focus on what’s happening in the here and now, rather than worrying about what might happen in the future.
Talk to someone who will understand
Whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or psychiatrist, talking to someone about your anxiety can help. Just knowing that someone understands and cares can make a big difference.
Seek professional help
If you’re struggling to manage your anxiety on your own, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with tools and strategies to help you cope.
Conclusion
The habits of women with anxiety can be difficult to break, and it is possible to manage and control. Remember to be patient with yourself and to seek professional help if needed. With time and effort, you can overcome your anxiety and live a healthy and happy life!
If you're struggling with anxiety, The Sassy Shrink can help! We offer online anxiety therapy and coaching for women. We'll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. Contact us today to book a consultation. We can't wait to work with you!
What are your thoughts? Do you have any habits that you want to break? Share in the comments below!
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