Isn’t it true that nobody likes having anxiety? Why do we feel uneasy when everything feels settled and life is calm? When you’re accustomed to living with stress, taking a break can make you feel anxious.
A social worker and psychotherapist, Nadia Addesi, said, “You may feel anxious even when your life is anxious. Even when your life is finally where you want it to be because you’ve lived in chaos so long you don’t trust the feeling of calm.”
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Why does calm come before anxiety? There are several reasons why being calm can make you anxious.
Anxiety Rises To A Deeper Level
Samantha Gambino, a licensed clinical psychologist, said that thoughts and anxieties usually tucked away come to the surface in quiet times. You can focus on the more profound concerns by taking a break from everyday tasks, racing thoughts, and life demands.
It’s Too Important To Preserve The Good Times
Conversely, you could become engrossed in staying in good times. Keil said anxiety sufferers often believe they can capture and preserve states of calm. Accepting that the good times won’t last forever, you can extend happy times instead of holding on tightly because anxiety won’t ruin them.
It’s Strange To Feel Calm
Kamis-Brinda says that a calm environment seems strange for people used to living in chaos, loud noises, and stress. She compares it to someone who lives in a noisy city and cannot sleep in the quiet countryside “because the quiet is deafening.”
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Breaks Make You Feel Lazy
People should rest, but we live in a productivity-obsessed, capitalist society that makes them feel guilty. When people have free time, Kamis-Brinda says, they often think they should be doing something. A perfectionist believes she must constantly be productive and overextend herself with responsibilities. Accomplishments are associated with self-worth and value.
Enjoying Calm Moments
There are ways to relive the good times while relaxing. Make a point of taking a break from working. Keil said, “Productivity addiction is a real thing” Managing your symptoms and changing your anxiety-increasing behavior can also be helped by psychotherapy and mindfulness.