Anxiety has reached epidemic levels across the globe, and the reason for this may be simpler than we think. While it’s easy to point to the rapid pace of modern life or external pressures, the truth is that we’re often failing to address anxiety’s root cause. Too many people are trying to solve this issue by focusing on the mind, but anxiety is not only a mental problem—it is deeply rooted in the body.
When we experience anxiety, we typically notice fearful thinking: catastrophizing, looping thoughts, and worst-case scenario scenarios. These mental patterns seem like the issue itself. However, what we often miss is that our psychological state—our thoughts—are shaped by our physiological state—what’s happening in our body and nervous system.
When the body’s nervous system becomes stuck in a state of survival—often as a result of long-term stress or unresolved trauma—it sends signals to the brain. This communication process, known as *interoception*, helps the brain to understand what’s going on in the body. In fact, 80% of the communication between the brain and the body flows from the body to the brain. This is why, no matter how hard we try to think or talk our way out of anxiety, it often doesn’t work. The body is sending signals to the brain that something is wrong, which results in anxiety and stress being experienced in the mind.
Why Traditional Methods Don’t Always Work
The main reason many people struggle to overcome anxiety is that they focus exclusively on the mental aspect—thinking, talking, or reasoning their way out of the problem. While these approaches can provide temporary relief, they fail to address the underlying issue: a dysregulated nervous system.
When the nervous system is stuck in a survival mode, the brain continuously interprets this as a state of danger. This triggers anxiety and sends us into a cycle of fear-based thinking. Our mind becomes trapped in a loop of worrying and overthinking, unable to break free because the body remains in a state of alarm.
The Role of Switching
So, how can we begin to address this problem at its source? The answer lies in a concept known as *switching*. Commonly discussed in somatic therapies, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed approaches, switching involves redirecting our focus from the mind to the body. By making this shift, we move away from the anxiety-inducing thoughts that are often at the forefront of our experience and re-engage with our body, where the root of the problem resides.
Switching allows us to step away from the mental patterns that fuel anxiety—such as overthinking or problem-solving in the mind—and instead focus on regulating our physiology. This is achieved through practices like proper breathing techniques, stimulating the vagus nerve (responsible for shifting the body into a state of rest and digest), and addressing the physical tension or stored alarm in the body that is fueling the anxiety.
When we engage in practices that help to regulate the nervous system, we send new sensory input to the brain. This input helps shift the messages the brain is receiving from a state of danger to a state of safety. Essentially, we are reprogramming both the brain and the body by teaching them that they are no longer in a state of survival.
As the body starts to move out of this heightened state of alertness, the mind begins to receive new information from the body. This creates a shift from anxiety to calm and a sense of safety, making it easier for the individual to regain control of their thoughts and emotions.
Healing anxiety isn’t about just talking through the problem or focusing on the mind alone. It’s about addressing the body and its nervous system, which holds the key to the underlying cause. By incorporating practices that regulate our physiology and help us switch from the mind to the body, we can break the cycle of anxiety and begin the journey toward true healing.
If you’ve tried everything to heal your nervous system but still struggle with anxiety, consider integrating somatic therapies, trauma-informed practices, and techniques to regulate your body’s response to stress. This holistic approach might be the missing piece you’ve been searching for. By focusing on the body, you can rewire your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and create lasting change in both your mind and body.
