Anxiety is a sneaky villain. It can creep into our lives, whispering worries and casting a shadow over our happiness. But good news, overcoming anxiety is absolutely possible. And as you progress on this journey, you’ll start noticing some encouraging signs that you’re reclaiming control. Let’s take a look what these signs look like.
1. You Are Calmer
One of the most noticeable improvements is a reduction in anxiety symptoms. It doesn’t vanish completely (hey, we’re all human…), but those intense worries and panic attacks become way less frequent. Daily tasks that once triggered a surge of worry now feel manageable. Situations that used to be anxiety hotspots no longer hold the same power over you. It’s like a wave of calmness washing over you, pushing anxiety away.
2. You Sleep Better
Another sign you’re winning the battle against anxiety is finally getting a good night’s sleep again. Anxiety loves messing with your sleep, making it hard to fall asleep, keeping you up all night, and leaving you feeling like a zombie. But as you conquer anxiety, this sleep monster loses its power. You find yourself drifting off to sleep more easily, enjoying a deeper, more restful sleep, and waking up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
3. You Know Yourself Better
Battling anxiety also helps you get to know yourself on a whole new level. You start paying more attention to your thoughts and feelings. You start to recognise those early warning signs of anxiety – the weird body feelings, the racing thoughts, the voice in your head saying you’re going to mess up. This newfound superpower lets you take charge. You can identify your triggers, those situations or thoughts that typically spark anxiety, and come up with strategies to navigate them effectively.
4. You Are Braver
Perhaps the most empowering sign of progress is being more ready to push your limits. Stepping outside your comfort zone can feel daunting, especially when anxiety is lurking in the shadows. But as you overcome anxiety, you’re finding this fresh boldness inside you. You’re more open to trying new things, even if they feel a little scary at first. You might push yourself to take on a presentation at work, join that social event you’d normally avoid, or finally book that trip you’ve been dreaming of. Wanting to confront your fears is a big sign of your progress.
5. You Have A Healthier Mindset
Overcoming anxiety also means learning to not let negative thoughts take you for a ride. No longer do you get swept away in a torrent of negativity. You learn to identify those anxious thought patterns and question their validity. You can reframe negative thoughts into more positive, realistic ones. Instead of believing “I’m going to mess up this presentation,” you tell yourself, “I’m prepared, and I’ve done well in presentations before.” This new way of thinking makes you feel like you can tackle anything.
6. You Are Kinder To Yourself
On the journey to conquer anxiety, it’s all about learning to love yourself a little more. Embrace kindness towards yourself as you go. Acknowledge that setbacks are just part of the journey. And on those days when anxiety creeps in, remember, being hard on yourself isn’t the answer. Instead, you acknowledge your progress, celebrate your victories (big and small!), and offer yourself the same support and encouragement you’d extend to a loved one in the same situation.
7. You Recognise Your Progress
Finally, a major sign you’re overcoming anxiety is when you see how far you’ve come. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles and lose sight of how far you’ve come. But take a moment to reflect. How are you different from where you started? Celebrate the small wins, the times you faced a trigger without panicking, the nights you slept soundly, the social interaction you enjoyed. Acknowledge the big wins too, that job promotion you landed despite your anxieties, the trip you took that once felt impossible. Seeing how far you’ve come makes you wanna push even harder and reminds you that you have the strength and resilience to keep moving forward.
Remember, overcoming anxiety is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way. But by being aware of these positive signs, you can celebrate your victories and stay motivated on your path to a calmer and more fulfilling life. And if you find yourself struggling, know that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk with a therapist. They can give you the support and tips you need.
