Often, if you’re in the thick of anxiety, it’s difficult to ‘step away’ from yourself and observe what’s going on. You live in your head so much, you’re completely out of tune with your body.

When I was really suffering, I went to my GP (General Practicioner, or Medical Doctor) and told him I felt my blood pressure was so high I was sure I was going to have a Heart Attack (note to self - it’s not always a good idea to have a Blood Pressure monitor at home - if you’re prone to anxiety, you only have to look at one to send your blood pressure through the roof)!

MY GP calmly gave me a leaflet and said he thought I was presenting with anxiety. I looked at the list of symptoms and literally ticked nearly every one.

And it actually calmed me. No one dies of anxiety, but it’s a horrible place to be. What’s key is moving through anxiety is awareness, interruption and resetting (Mann & Rabin, 2024). That interruption, comes through movement, and it’s key to altering the state of your nervous system.

So, can you notice the following anxiety manifestiations in yourself?

Physical Clues: Muscle aches and pains, Tingling and numbness (e.g in your hands), Shallow breath, Stomach aches and digestive issues

Psychological Clues: Impatience, Decreased Concentration, Sleep Disturbances, Excessive/Unrealistic fear about future events

Behavioural Clues: Withdrawing from social interaction, Compulsive checking, Seeking and needing constant reassurance

If you recognise any of these in yourself, it’s time to make change. Your nervous system is stuck in overwhelm and trying to protect you.

Through movement, we can interrupt that mental overwhelm, alter the state of the nervous system, and help you reset to find a sense of calm.

My Online Pilates Membership is available through my website to help you get started.

Reference: Mann, J and Rabin, K (2024). The Secret Language of the Body. Thorsons, London.