While pondering the strategies for getting beyond anxiety, somehow a John [Cougar] Mellencamp song popped into my mind…but the words had changed.

“When I fight anxiety anxiety always wins.”

Why?

Why does anxiety win when people fight it?

I suppose there are arguments about deepening the brain ruts carved out by negative thoughts – our ruminations and worries, because they are laced with emotion and repeated, tend to dig deep ruts. Perhaps, fighting them expands the weight of emotion? Perhaps, it’s as simple as resistance causes more repetition?

Regardless, when it comes to anxiety, resistance is futile.

When you fight anxiety anxiety always wins.

So, when anxiety visits you, do not fight it. Instead, find ways to break the patterns of thoughts and actions you [intentionally and unintentionally] perform in reaction to anxiety.

Don’t fight to break the reactionary cycles that deepen the ruts caused by anxiety. Instead of fighting, think and act in new ways that are designed to disrupt the cycles. Make sure you only use non-violent methods. Accept anxiety as a natural part of life. And, accept the fact anxieties tend to exaggerate themselves. Don’t fight the exaggeration…just observe it…after the fact….then in real time.

When you don't fight anxiety anxiety weakens. 

When anxiety weakens anxiety doesn't always win. 

When anxiety doesn't win it eases its grip on you.