Turning Anxiety Into a Superpower: How to Work With It, Not Against It
Anxiety often gets a bad reputation. As a therapist, I hear it all the time—people want to "get rid of" their anxiety, to silence it, to push it away. But what if I told you that anxiety isn’t the enemy? What if I told you that, when harnessed correctly, anxiety can be a superpower?
Anxiety’s Original Purpose: Keeping Us Safe
Anxiety exists for a reason. It’s part of our body’s natural response system, designed to keep us alert to danger and help us prepare for challenges. Back in the days of our ancestors, anxiety kept people alive—it helped them scan for threats, anticipate problems, and make quick decisions in high-stakes situations.
Even in modern life, anxiety serves important functions. It motivates us to prepare for presentations, study for exams, plan ahead for big events, and assess risks before making decisions. It can push us to be more detail-oriented, empathetic, and prepared.
Anxiety as a Superpower
As a therapist, I’ll be honest—I use my anxiety all the time in my work. My natural tendency to think ahead helps me prepare for sessions and anticipate my clients' needs. My sensitivity to emotions makes me deeply empathetic. My attention to detail helps me stay organized and thoughtful in my practice.
When anxiety is used effectively, it can be an asset, not a burden. The key is to work with it, rather than against it.
When Anxiety Becomes Harmful
The problem with anxiety isn’t that it exists—it’s when it takes over. When anxiety starts controlling your decisions, keeping you stuck in worst-case scenarios, or making everyday life feel overwhelming, it shifts from being a helpful tool to a roadblock.
The good news? You don’t have to fight against your anxiety—you can learn to team up with it. Instead of seeing it as a monster to defeat, try seeing it as a signal, a guide, or even a teammate that just needs some coaching.
Strategies for Working With Your Anxiety
Here are a few ways to harness the power of anxiety without letting it control you:
Acknowledge It Without Judgment – Instead of thinking, Ugh, why am I so anxious?, try saying, I notice my anxiety is showing up—what is it trying to tell me?
Use It to Plan, Not to Panic – Let your anxiety help you prepare for things in a constructive way. If you're worried about an upcoming event, write down a step-by-step plan instead of spiraling into what-if scenarios.
Ground Yourself in the Present – Anxiety often pulls us into the future. Practice mindfulness techniques to bring yourself back to the present moment.
Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts – Not every thought that anxiety gives you is true. Ask yourself, Is this a real threat, or just a fear? What’s the most likely outcome?
Move Your Body – Physical activity can help regulate anxious energy and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
Breathe Through It – Deep breathing exercises signal to your nervous system that you're safe and in control.
Teaching Kids to Work With Anxiety
If you're a parent, you play a powerful role in shaping how your child views their anxiety. Instead of trying to eliminate their anxious feelings, help them see anxiety as a tool for assessing risks and planning ahead—without letting it take over. Encourage them to:
Recognize anxious feelings without shame
Use their anxiety to prepare for challenges instead of avoiding them
Question whether their worries are based on facts or fears
Develop coping strategies like deep breathing, movement, or talking things out
When kids learn that anxiety is a normal and even useful part of life, they can develop a healthier relationship with it.
When Anxiety Becomes Too Much
While anxiety can be a powerful tool, it shouldn’t feel like it’s running your life. If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed, stuck in worst-case scenarios, or unable to function the way you want, therapy can help.
If you or your child are struggling with anxiety and want support, reach out. You don’t have to navigate this alone—I’d love to help you find ways to work with your anxiety, rather than against it. 💛