Understanding Anxiety: Friend or Foe?

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety is omnipresent. We encounter it at work, in relationships, and even while dating or scrolling through social media.

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety seems to be everywhere. We all feel it, whether at work, in relationships, or dating. It's even there when we scroll through social media.

But what if I told you that anxiety isn’t a bug in our brains but serves a functional purpose? Let’s dive into a more nuanced understanding of anxiety and how we can manage it.

The Purpose of Anxiety

Anxiety is not inherently harmful. In fact, it has evolved as a survival mechanism to protect us from harm.

Imagine walking alone at night and hearing footsteps behind you. Your brain immediately switches into alarm mode, preparing you to fight or flee. That's the job of fear — it keeps you safe.

However, the problem arises when anxiety is chronic and too high for the actual threat. Then, it stops being functional and becomes dysfunctional.

It impairs our daily lives and well-being.

The Brain’s Processing of Anxiety

Our brain processes anxiety via two main pathways: the shortcut and the high road.

• The Shortcut: This path lea…