At some point in our lives, we experience anxiety, and it could manifest in different ways. But one thing is certain, and that is, anxiety is a mental state that triggers our emotions. It could result in an overwhelming panic attack or a crippling fear of the unknown/what if.
For some people, it could be a lingering sensation of uneasiness, one that, if properly tackled, could be a driving force to become alert and do more.
Again, anxiety could be a life-changing experience, one that often results in mental strains. Maybe you just secured a new job or, more probably, a promotion; such opportunities and upgrades are likely to be anxiety triggers because while they might be exciting, not everyone can handle the weight of new responsibilities and the burden of expectations all at once.
In another instance, getting ready for a thesis or dissertation presentation that will bring forth a degree or certification could be a source of pressure and worry due to the fear of failing.
Other times, anxiety could creep up from increased responsibility in the home, and this usually gives rise to financial constraint when it comes to effective management of the household.
In the long run, however the case may be, people are always faced with challenging situations that could either make them or mar them depending on how they choose to handle them.
Personally, I try not to let anything bother me. The only thing that has ever given me concerns is my finances, and nothing gives me more worry than when I can not afford the things that I want. Or when I see my finances depleting. Another source of worry is when my expenses overshadow my earnings.
Before I learned how to manage the situation, never a day went by when I was not anticipating the worst. I always have this feeling of uneasiness that I might get in a situation that I won't have enough finances to resolve.
Regardless of how much I saved or how hard I tried to be prudent in spending, I just couldn't shake off the feeling of uneasiness, and this greatly affected my mood as I saw myself gradually slipping into depression.
I was consumed by fear of what-ifs, and I found myself living either in the future or in the past but never in the moment. Seeing how distant and withdrawn I had gotten due to my anxiety problem, people around me started complaining, and I knew immediately it was time to change.
The thought that whatever I'm going through is going to rub off greatly on my daughter was enough reason for me to keep my emotions in check. One trick I used in combatting anxiety was the knowledge that I'm still alive, so for me, so long as I am not dead, whatever I'm going through should not be a bother.
I mean, if it's not life-threatening, what am I panicking about? And even when it's life-threatening, there's always a solution, and that's what I started focusing on.
Recently I have covered a lot of expenses and am still covering them. I was making a budget for groceries today, and my mother felt concerned; she felt we should cut down on our budget for soups and stews so I could have more cash at hand.
I quickly reminded her that in a bid to save costs, we will spend more with her approach because I have noticed that having soup and stew handy tends to make dry food items in storage last longer.
I also cannot afford to be buying meals, as they are overly expensive, so the cheaper alternative, of course, is cooking. We must eat, and there's no two ways about it, and again, I feel more at ease to always have ready-to-eat cooked meals available than cash at hand.
All this I explained to my mom, and she responded that she was just looking out for me because she doesn't want me to be overwhelmed. I told her I'm going to be overwhelmed and get panic attacks if I do not take a stand like I have done and she saw reasons with me. She further encouraged me on the need of priorities and taking things as they come.
I was indeed grateful to my mom for her mental and emotional support. I was also really proud of myself too because the me before would have panicked with my mother's concern. I would ponder so much on the situation that it would become overwhelming.
But as I grew older, I saw all that worry as a waste of time and formulated a principle.
These principles are whatever I have no control over cannot bother me, and whatever I can't afford is not for me. These two guiding principles and of course deliberating on issues with my mother have been my driving force when combating my anxieties that stem from financial constraints.