01/17/2026
Anxiety often isn’t about what’s happening — it’s about what your body is bracing for.
For many adults, anxiety shows up as a constant sense of anticipation — even when nothing is actively wrong.
This happens because the nervous system has learned to stay prepared after periods of stress or uncertainty.
When anxiety is present, the body is already responding to a threat that hasn’t arrived yet.
Rather than trying to calm your thoughts, help your nervous system discharge that stored readiness.
Try this “anticipation release” exercise (90 seconds):
• Stand or sit with both feet on the floor
• Gently tense your legs and glutes for 5 seconds
• Release completely and let the body soften
• Repeat 3 times
• After the final release, notice the sensation of heaviness or warmth in your legs
This signals to the nervous system that action is no longer required and reduces the “on edge” feeling anxiety creates.
Anxiety doesn’t need convincing — it needs completion.
Keep this technique in mind for when your body feels tense or restless.
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