Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room that’s been sitting on your chest, making your heart race, and convincing you that checking your phone 47 times in the last hour is totally normal behavior.
Anxiety isn’t weakness—it’s your brain trying to keep you alive.
Here’s what’s actually happening up there: Your amygdala (think of it as your brain’s overprotective mom) spots potential danger and hits the panic button. Suddenly, you’re flooded with stress hormones like you’re being chased by a tiger, except the “tiger” is actually a text that hasn’t been replied to or that presentation next week.
The Physical Reality Check:
- Racing heart? That’s extra blood flow to help you “escape”
- Sweaty palms? Your body’s cooling system kicking in
- Can’t focus? Your brain’s busy scanning for threats
- Stomach doing backflips? Digestion gets put on hold during “emergencies”
Plot twist: This system worked great when humans faced actual predators. Less helpful when facing social media notifications, work deadlines, or that awkward conversation you need to have.
The Good News: Anxiety is treatable, manageable, and you’re definitely not broken. Millions of people (including that person who seems to have their life together on Instagram) deal with this daily.
Bottom line: If you’re reading this while your chest feels tight and your thoughts are spiraling—you’re not alone, you’re not crazy, and there’s real help available.
Salt + Cedar Collective 