Our emotions and feelings are fascinating, yet perplexing at the same time…
Sometimes, we have the words to describe them. Other times, not.
Sometimes, the same emotion or feeling can be felt and experienced differently, not just by ourselves, but by others as well.
It makes this whole area of our life rather open to interpretation and personal experience.
Is this a good thing? A bad thing?
Who knows?
When Nervousness Comes From Anxiety or Excitement
A recent example of this, for me, comes in the form of nervousness…
I may or may not have shared and spoken about this before (I’m unsure if I have). But recently, I’ve experienced the difference between nervousness driven by anxiety, worry, and apprehension, and nervousness driven by excitement and growth…
The Same Feeling, Experienced Very Differently
Dare I say, the same feeling, based on my current level of emotional intelligence and understanding my own emotions, but experienced very differently!
It’s the same word that explains both, but nervousness from anxiety, worry, and apprehension feels restrictive and unpleasant… whereas nervousness from excitement and growth feels good and lifts me up.
So how can the same word on paper be used in both scenarios and be felt very differently?
This is what I find fascinating, yet perplexing at the same time.
Emotions as a Self-Awareness Tool
So, what does this teach us?
I think it teaches us that understanding our emotions and feelings is not only a personal phenomenon of how we experience the world, but that they can be used as a self-awareness tool to understand ourselves, to learn, and to grow.
This is not an area I’m super knowledgeable about. But I find it super interesting.
Why Anxious Nervousness Rarely Leads Anywhere Good
Furthermore, I’ve realised that nervousness driven by anxiety, worry, and apprehension has hardly ever, at least from what I can remember, led to anything good or productive.
Can you honestly say that it has for you?!
It reminds me of how I used to get told not to worry, because our worries don’t change the thing that we are worried about. Yet worrying seems to be part of the human experience, so what do we do about this?
The advice of “don’t worry” or “don’t feel anxious” and “let it go about this or that” I oftentimes feel is too simplistic… especially for us, and I count myself in this category of people, easily anxious, worried, and nervous folks.
When Anxiety Becomes a Personality Trait
I don’t usually like labels; however, when we’re talking about personality traits, I’m coming more to the belief that there are those of us who are more anxious, worried, and nervous about things than others… and, like any trait, too much of it can potentially be an unhealthy thing!
I think this is most definitely true when we’re talking about this trait and related tendencies, and I’m realising more and more that it’s about learning to manage it in the best possible way and not let it run the show.
Action as the Antidote to Anxiety
Recently, I shared how action is the antidote to anxiety, and this is one strategy that I’ve found to be powerful in managing this trait, especially when it’s running overboard and controlling us and our lives.
Overall, I think it’s vital that we develop a strategy for learning how to deal with this tendency, especially for overly anxious people.
I’m always on the lookout for new strategies that can help me manage this trait, and if you can relate, I would love to know what you do to keep your over-anxious traits and nervousness intact.
Reach me here. I would love to hear from you.
Key Takeaways on Emotions and Anxiety
- Dual Nature of Emotions: You can experience the same emotion, like nervousness, in completely different ways. It can feel restrictive when driven by anxiety, but uplifting and positive when it comes from excitement and growth.
- Emotions as a Tool: Paying attention to how you feel is a powerful method for self-awareness. It helps you understand yourself on a deeper level, which is essential for personal learning and development.
- The Ineffectiveness of Worry: Nervousness that comes from a place of anxiety and worry seldom leads to a productive outcome. It’s a common human experience, but it doesn’t change the situation you’re concerned about.
- Managing Anxious Traits: For people who are naturally more prone to anxiety, simple advice like “don’t worry” is often not enough. The goal isn’t to eliminate the trait but to learn how to manage it so it doesn’t control your life.
- Action as a Solution: Taking action is presented as a potent antidote to anxiety. Developing a personal strategy to deal with anxious tendencies is vital for your well-being.
FAQs for Emotions and Anxiety
Can an emotion like nervousness be both positive and negative?
Yes, absolutely. The feeling of nervousness can stem from anxiety, which feels restrictive and unpleasant. But it can also come from excitement and personal growth, which feels good and can lift you up. It’s the same word, but the experience is very different based on the context.
What is the main benefit of my emotions?
Your emotions are a key tool for self-awareness. It allows you to learn more about yourself and how you experience the world. This personal insight is fundamental for growth and learning to manage your feelings effectively.
Is it true that worrying doesn’t help?
The article suggests that worrying, especially when it’s driven by anxiety, rarely leads to anything productive. While it’s a natural part of being human, the act of worrying itself doesn’t change the outcome of the situation you are worried about.
Why do I struggle when people tell me to just “stop worrying”?
This advice is often too simplistic, particularly for people who are naturally more anxious. Managing a personality trait like anxiety requires more than a simple command. It involves developing strategies and learning how to handle it so it doesn’t run your life.
What is a powerful strategy to manage anxiety?
Taking action is a highly effective way to counter feelings of anxiety. Instead of staying stuck in worry, engaging in purposeful action can help you manage anxious feelings and regain a sense of control. Developing your own set of strategies is crucial.
