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Letting go of control can ease anxiety from "summary" of Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer

When we feel anxious, our instinct is to grasp for control. We try to manage every detail of our lives in an attempt to ward off uncertainty and discomfort. However, this very act of trying to control everything can paradoxically exacerbate our anxiety. It creates a cycle of striving to micromanage our thoughts, emotions, and external circumstances, which only serves to fuel our sense of unease. In reality, the more we try to control our anxiety, the more it seems to control us. Our efforts to suppress or avoid anxious thoughts and feelings only give them more power over us. This constant battle against our own minds leaves us feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck in a cycle of anxiety that seems impossible to break. Letting go of the need to control every aspect of our lives can be a powerful antidote to anxiety. When we release our grip on the steering wheel and allow ourselves to surrender to the ebb and flow of life, we open ourselves up to a sense of freedom and ease. We learn to trust in our own ability to navigate challenges and uncertainties without having to constantly micromanage every step of the way. By relinquishing the illusion of control, we create space for acceptance and self-compassion. We recognize that it is okay to feel anxious at times, and that we don't have to fight against our emotions in order to find peace. Instead of resisting our anxiety, we can learn to embrace it with curiosity and kindness, allowing it to come and go without judgment or fear. In this way, letting go of control becomes a powerful tool for unwinding anxiety. When we stop trying to force our way through life and instead surrender to the present moment, we discover a sense of liberation and relief. We no longer feel the need to constantly struggle against our own minds, but can instead find peace in simply being.
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    Unwinding Anxiety

    Judson Brewer

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