Wondering why you feel so anxious and stuck? Constantly comparing yourself to others and wondering if you are good enough.  Sometimes we don't realize how we think about ourselves and it can be really bad head trash, with external pressure to be successful and appear confident.  On the inside there can be a constant lingering self doubt.  You have reached stability in life and your career, but for some freaking reason it still feels shaky. When you see your peers you feel like an imposter and wonder if people can tell.  Your personal life and work life is blurred which causes you to have difficulty connecting with your family.  You dread the constant business and wonder what your purpose is. 

A typical goal in life is to feel successful and empowered.  Sometimes we set our standards too high or too low because you don't feel like you are capable.  Either way, anxiety and doubt affects how you see and feel about yourself. Anxiety definitely impacts your professional development. 

Here are some tips to help with anxiety

• Identify the cause or source of anxiety

  Try to reflect to see what it is it anxiety? Depression? Stress? Situational? Loss and grief? Sometimes we are going through a personal matter and it impacts our professional work.  

• Start feeling the emotion

  Sometimes faking the funk gets old and super draining. Feel the pain of the hurt and disappointment. Only from there can you start rebuilding and healing yourself. 

• Recognize you are human and everyone makes mistakes

  Sometimes we become our own worst critic and over focus on our mistakes. We are human beings and cannot be perfect all the time.

• Believe in yourself!

  It sounds really easy but it can be hard. Making progress takes time and it won’t change overnight. 

• Evaluate and understand your thoughts

  Notice what thoughts are in your head and if they are harsh and negative, try to evaluate if it's true and realistic. 

• Be your own bestfriend

  Give yourself advice that you would give to your closest friends. It feels much better when you are nice to yourself rather than beating yourself up.

• Move your body

  Take deep breaths and connect to nature. Take a walk, hike, or sit outside for some fresh air.  Practice yoga and stretch. Let your mind wander and reflect on the bigger picture.

• Start a gratitude journal

  Write 5 things that you’re grateful for each day.  Make sure you try to write 5 new things every day instead of the same things. 

• Positive affirmation, mantras, or inspiring quotes.

  Instead of “I can’t,” say you can. You would be surprised how often we think we are incapable but we are capable. Sitting in the negative can be debilitating. Be creative and find affirmations that are meaningful to you.

I hope these tips are helpful.  However, if you have a history of trauma and emotional neglect, there may be some deeper issues to work through. Just remember when you are ready to make the big changes in your life, it's the right time.

Free 15 minute phone consultation with anxiety Orange County Therapist

If you are ready to take out your head trash, work through your anxiety, and some deeper healing, call Jane, Anxiety therapist in Orange County, CA for a free 15 minute phone consultation at (949)771-4461. You can read more about how I can help on my website. My specialties include career driven professionals, caregiver stress, Asian American psychology, anxious teens, and social anxiety.