Ever feel like your brain just won’t switch off? Like your thoughts are running in circles, your heart’s racing, and no matter how much you tell yourself to “calm down,” it doesn’t work?

That’s anxiety. And it’s not just “in your head.”

Anxiety isn’t just about worrying too much. It’s a biological response designed to keep you safe.

When your brain detects a threat, it activates the amygdala – the part responsible for fear and survival.

Your body floods with adrenaline and cortisol, priming you to fight, flee, or freeze.

Your heart rate increases, breathing speeds up, muscles tense, and thoughts race – all preparing you for danger.

This response is helpful if you’re running from a tiger. But when it’s triggered by work stress, social situations, or overthinking, it can make life exhausting.

Sometimes, the brain misinterprets normal situations as threats. Instead of turning off after the danger passes, it stays on high alert.

Common Reasons Your Brain Stays Stuck in Overdrive:

Chronic Stress: A constantly stressful environment can keep your brain on edge.

Unprocessed Trauma: Past experiences can make your brain hyper-aware of danger.

Perfectionism & Overthinking: The fear of making mistakes can keep your anxiety high.

Avoidance: Avoiding fears reinforces the brain’s belief that they’re dangerous.

If anxiety has become a daily struggle, it’s not a personal weakness – it’s your brain doing its job too well.

If your mind is constantly racing, worrying, or overanalyzing, here are some ways to start breaking the cycle:

Grounding Techniques – Shift focus away from thoughts and into the present moment. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 method:

Name 5 things you see

Name 4 things you can touch

Name 3 things you hear

Name 2 things you smell

Name 1 thing you taste

Deep Breathing – Slow, controlled breathing tells your brain you’re safe. Try box breathing:

Inhale for 4 seconds

Hold for 4 seconds

Exhale for 4 seconds

Hold for 4 seconds

Challenge Your Thoughts – Anxiety convinces you of worst-case scenarios. Ask yourself:

Is this thought 100% true?

What’s the most likely outcome?

If this happens, can I handle it?

Move Your Body – Exercise reduces anxiety by burning off excess stress hormones. Even a 10-minute walk can help.

If anxiety is interfering with daily life, sleep, or relationships, professional support can help. Counselling provides:

A safe space to unpack what’s going on

Practical strategies to manage anxiety effectively

A chance to retrain your brain’s response to stress

You don’t have to keep struggling alone. Anxiety is treatable, and there are ways to feel calmer, clearer, and more in control.

At Solid Foundations Counselling, I help people break free from anxiety and reclaim their peace of mind. If you’re ready to take the first step, book a free 15-min conversation here.