Anxiety has become a pervasive issue in our fast-paced, modern world, affecting millions of people globally. As a holistic anxiety coach, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate their anxiety and find an authentic path towards empowerment. My approach to healing (and truly, all things in life) is this: 1. Start with the body, 2. Tune in to the soul, and 3. Work with the mind. This threefold approach is designed to address anxiety in a comprehensive and integrative manner.
We “start with the body” to practice self-soothing and address the physical manifestations of anxiety—such as a racing heart, a pit in the stomach, and tense muscles. These physical symptoms are indicators that our nervous system is in a state of heightened alert, often referred to as the fight-or-flight response. By calming the body, we create a stable foundation for deeper healing work.
When our nervous system is more grounded, we create space to listen to the whispers of our soul. These whispers often signal that there is something within us that needs to be witnessed, felt, or expressed. This process of tuning into our inner voice allows us to identify and address the root causes of our anxiety. Engaging with our soul’s needs can lead to profound insights and emotional release, facilitating a safe and authentic healing journey.
Many individuals make the mistake of trying to start with changing their thoughts. This approach can feel like an uphill battle if the body is still in a state of anxiety and if we are disconnected from our inner voice. By addressing the body first, we set the stage for a more holistic and integrated healing process, where mind, body, and soul work together harmoniously.
As the body becomes more grounded, emotional space becomes available for the deeper “soul work”—the act of connecting with our innermost self. This phase of healing involves tuning in to the soul, which allows us to uncover the deeper layers of our anxiety, understand its root causes, and begin the process of healing from within.
Tuning in to the soul is the act of engaging in practices that help us to connect with our true essence and inner wisdom. This connection is crucial for uncovering the emotional and spiritual aspects of anxiety that often lie beneath the surface. For instance, you might discover that your anxiety stems from a deep-seated fear of rejection rooted in past experiences. By connecting with your soul, you may recall a childhood memory where you felt abandoned or unloved, which continues to impact your self-worth and contribute to your current anxiety Some key components of “soul work” include processing emotions through journaling, meditation, and inner child work.
The final component of my holistic approach to healing is to work with the mind. Our thoughts and beliefs play a significant role in how we experience anxiety, and by addressing them directly, we can create lasting change. When we are grounded in our bodies and in tune with our soul, we are better equipped to engage in neural reprogramming—the practice of changing our thoughts and rewiring our brain. This step, which involves cognitive and behavioral techniques, becomes more effective when we are not battling the physical symptoms of anxiety. Our mind is more receptive to change when our body is calm and our soul is heard.
Working with the mind begins with recognizing and challenging the negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. This involves identifying distorted ways of thinking—such as expecting the worst possible outcome or seeing situations in all-or-nothing terms. By becoming aware of these patterns, we can start to question their validity and replace them with more balanced, realistic thoughts. This practice of re-evaluating our thoughts helps to break the cycle of negativity and fosters a more positive and grounded mindset.
Another powerful approach to working with the mind involves becoming more aware of our thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental way. By observing our thoughts as they arise, we can gain a clearer understanding of the habitual patterns that drive our anxiety. This heightened awareness allows us to respond to our thoughts and feelings with greater clarity and compassion, rather than being overwhelmed by them. This process of mindful observation creates a space between us and our thoughts, making it easier to manage and change our mental responses to anxiety triggers.
By working with the mind, we address the cognitive aspects of anxiety, transforming our thought patterns and developing healthier ways of thinking. This cognitive transformation, when combined with the grounding of the body and the tuning in to the soul, creates a comprehensive and integrative approach to healing. It empowers us to move beyond anxiety and embrace a state of profound, holistic success. Each component is interconnected, and together, they create a powerful framework for transformation. By addressing anxiety on all levels, we can move from a place of fear and overwhelm to one of empowerment and resilience.
In my work as a holistic anxiety coach, I have seen countless individuals transform their lives using this integrative approach. It is my hope that by sharing these strategies, you too can find the tools and insights you need to navigate your journey from anxiety to empowerment. Remember, healing is a process, and every step you take towards understanding and managing your anxiety is a step towards a more empowered and fulfilling life.
