MindBodyRoot

We all experience anxiety from time to time — a racing heart before a big presentation, a restless night before a life decision, or a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right. In small doses, anxiety can be a natural and even helpful response to stress. But when it lingers, overwhelms, or interferes with daily life, it becomes something more: a signal that your mind, body, and spirit are asking for care. What Is Anxiety, Really? Anxiety is your body’s natural response to perceived danger or stress. It's rooted in our survival instincts — the "fight or flight" mechanism that once helped our ancestors avoid threats. But in our modern world, threats don’t always come in the form of wild animals or dark forests. They show up as deadlines, social expectations, financial worries , and uncertainty. Anxiety may show up as: Constant worry or racing thoughts Trouble sleeping or focusing Tightness in the chest, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing Avoidance o...