Most people think of anxiety as something to get rid of - an intrusive force that disrupts peace and well-being. But what if anxiety isn’t just a malfunction in the brain? What if it serves a purpose beyond fight-or-flight?
In reality, anxiety is an ancient survival system designed to enhance awareness, sharpen focus, and prepare you for challenges. Perhaps the problem isn’t anxiety itself- but rather how we interpret and react to it.
Anxiety: A Flawed Alarm or a Secret Superpower?
Imagine you’re about to give a big presentation. Your heart pounds, your breath shortens, and your stomach tightens. Most people label this as “bad”- a sign that something is wrong. But research suggests that anxiety increases cognitive flexibility, heightens sensory perception, and even boosts memory consolidation in the right conditions.
Studies show that Olympic athletes, musicians, and top executives don’t eliminate anxiety-they use it. Instead of resisting the symptoms, they reframe them:
• A racing heart? That means oxygen is flowing to the brain for peak performance.
• Sweaty palms? That’s the body enhancing its grip and readiness.
• Faster breathing? That’s fuel for sharper focus and alertness.
By shifting from “I’m nervous” to “I’m ready,” you turn an automatic stress response into an advantage.
The Harvard Study That Flips Anxiety on Its Head
Most people instinctively try to calm themselves down when they feel anxious. But research from Harvard Business School suggests that this approach may be counterproductive.
In a 2014 study, Alison Wood Brooks found that reframing anxiety as excitement helps people perform better in high-stress situations like public speaking, singing, and math tasks. Instead of trying to suppress anxiety, simply telling yourself “I am excited” rather than “I am anxious” can change how your brain processes the experience. This shift moves the mind away from a threat mindset and into an opportunity mindset, leading to better focus and improved performance (Harvard Business School)
The American Psychological Association also highlights that attempting to “calm down” isn’t as effective as leaning into the energy that anxiety produces. By embracing excitement, people are more likely to engage positively with a challenge rather than withdraw from it (APA).
How to Make Anxiety Work for You
Instead of treating anxiety like an enemy, consider training your brain to use it as fuel.
1. Label It Differently
Rather than trying to “calm down,” tell yourself: “This is excitement.” This simple reframe has been shown to improve performance under pressure.
2. Redirect the Energy
Anxiety generates excess energy-so use it. Go for a five-minute walk, stand up, or take action toward the task triggering anxiety. Movement signals to the brain that the threat is manageable.
3. Schedule “Productive Worry” Time
Instead of letting anxious thoughts spiral throughout the day, set aside 10 minutes specifically for writing down concerns and brainstorming solutions. This allows the brain to release worries more efficiently.
4. Understand That Your Brain Is Trying to Help You
Instead of thinking, why do I feel like this? try asking, what is my brain preparing me for? Anxiety is not a failure—it’s your body’s way of equipping you to rise to the challenge.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Less Anxiety-You Need a Better Relationship with It
The key isn’t removing anxiety but understanding it. By shifting your perspective, anxiety transforms from a roadblock into a performance-enhancing tool.
It’s not your enemy-it’s your secret advantage.
Rebecca Tavangar, LPC, NCC