What is a mindset?
Mindsets are the way we as people view our traits and our surroundings. We’ve talked before about the two main classifications of mindsets: fixed and growth. In case you missed that blog:
A “fixed” mindset is when we believe that our abilities, our traits, and are qualities are fixed–that they can’t ever change.
A “growth” mindset is when we see ourselves, our traits and our intelligence can grow and evolve with time and experience.
But did you know that your mindset could actually help you in managing things like anxiety?
While not within the technical definitions of “mindset” there are outlooks & perspectives that growth mindsets can help manage and reduce anxiety.
Today, I want you to think about how your anxiety interacts with your mindset. Which one is in charge? Does your anxiety control the way you see the circumstances and environment around you, or does your mindset help to understand and manage the anxiety present in your life regardless of circumstance?
A shift in mindset can help your journey in identifying, understanding, and then managing anxiety when it crops up.
When talking about mindsets that facilitate growth and self betterment, the growth mindset we’ve described is the one to focus on. This type of mindset asserts that everyone, no matter innate qualities, has the ability to grow and change with time and experience. There are key elements to a growth mindset that allow this type of thinking, and in turn can be useful tools in managing things like anxiety!
So what are they?
Curiosity:
Curiosity is a huge part of a growth mindset! Without curiosity we cannot learn and we cannot grow. When talking about a curious mindset, Bram Krommenhoek writes “Instead of trying to get rid of thoughts, you start seeking out truth. Instead of pushing out the negative, you experience what’s actually going on. Instead of pushing yourself into a certain image, you get to know yourself.” Anxiety often tells us lies that feel like truths, so when we learn to be curious about not only our surroundings but the way we perceive them, we can learn to accept those thoughts as they come without using them to define our experience.
Life as a Shared Experience:
When we center our thoughts on ourselves, we allow our anxiety to control our perception of our surroundings. If someone is short with us, our anxiety tells us it’s because they hate us or think we’re stupid. But when we force ourselves to remember that life is not a singular experience for us alone, we can rationally work out why someone might be having an off day. Perhaps they didn’t get enough sleep, perhaps they too are feeling overwhelmed by stress, perhaps it has nothing to do with us. Feeling that connection to a larger group of people instead of only ourselves helps us not only manage but ease our anxiety.
Self Regulation:
Don’t try to stop your anxious thoughts all at once–it won’t work and it will only make you feel worse. Instead, allow yourself to think them, but don’t leave them as they are. Instead, explore what they are saying. Is it true? Or is it anxiety warping the truth of what’s around you? When you take the time to reflect on the thoughts given to you through anxiety you can make peace with them and understand where they are coming from without allowing them to rule your life.
Pattern Awareness:
When does anxiety crop up most for you? Start keeping a log of when you feel the most anxious or the types of thoughts that come up when you are anxious. This helps you become more self aware, and recognize patterns in your anxiety. Then when they pop up again you will be able to recognize them for what they are: just an expression of your anxiety, not necessarily the truth.
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” –Wayne W Dyer
Alyssa Mairanz, LMHC, DBTC
Alyssa Mairanz provides counseling and therapy services for life transitions, relationship issues, self esteem, depression, anxiety, and DBT and Psychodynamic therapy in a NYC group practice in the Flatiron District near Madison Square Park. She also serves the Village, Chelsea, Union Square, the Financial District and the surrounding areas.
Empower Your Mind Therapy’s mission is to helps our clients build the life they want and find more happiness and satisfaction.
