Anxiety vs Creativity
‘‘Music is something that escapes between frenzies, between anxiety attacks’’ Jerry Garcia.
According to research conducted at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, there is a discovered correlation between anxiety and heightened intelligence, indicating that individuals with anxiety tend to possess greater creativity. It is not uncommon to find that creative individuals, such as artists, actors, singers, and others, often grapple with various forms of anxiety.
The main connection between anxiety and creativity is the imagination factor. The remarkable aspect of the human brain is the ability to generate brilliant ideas, magnificent melodies, and exceptional compositions. However, this same mind is also capable of envisioning repetitive thoughts and distressing scenarios due to its boundless imagination.
Individuals who possess a vivid imagination can employ it to foresee forthcoming events, whether they be artistic endeavours or worrisome situations, thereby inducing feelings of concern or panic. In these instances, the imagination may trigger overthinking and excessive analysis, leading to neuroticism or anxiety.
Please note that these suggestions are not a substitute for professional advice, and if you're experiencing severe anxiety, it's recommended to seek help from a mental health professional.
Here's a general guide:
Recognise and acknowledge anxiety: Become aware of your feelings and understand that you're experiencing anxiety. Acknowledging it can help you address it effectively.
Identify triggers: Determine what situations, thoughts, or events tend to trigger your anxiety. Understanding your triggers can help you develop strategies to manage them.
Practice relaxation techniques: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga. These techniques can help calm your mind and body.
Challenge negative thoughts: Pay attention to your thoughts and challenge negative or irrational thinking patterns. Replace them with more balanced and realistic thoughts. RTT® techniques can be useful in this process.
Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, and support groups. Talking about your anxiety with others can provide comfort, understanding, and perspective.
Establish a routine: Create a structured daily routine that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep. Taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental well-being.
Manage stress: Identify and manage sources of stress in your life. Set boundaries, practice time management, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Gradual exposure: If specific situations or activities trigger anxiety, consider gradual exposure to them. Start with small, manageable steps and gradually increase your exposure over time. This technique can help desensitize you to anxiety-provoking situations.
Seek professional help: If anxiety persists and significantly interferes with your daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. You will receive appropriate guidance, support, and potentially recommended different types of therapy or medication if necessary.
Remember, everyone's experience with anxiety is unique, and different strategies may work for different individuals. It's important to find what works best for you and to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process.
