Let’s be real – anxiety happens. Some days, it’s just a whisper in the background, and other times, it feels like a full-blown alarm going off. But how do you know if it’s normal stress or a flashing danger sign that something more serious is at play?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety is completely normal when facing something stressful. Who hasn’t felt that stomach-knotting tension before a first date, while balancing a budget, or during those excruciating moments before a big interview? But when anxiety starts running the show, like panicking over interviews that haven’t even been scheduled – that’s when it may be crossing into obsessive territory.

Believe it or not, thousands of people live in a state of constant fear, even when there’s no real threat in sight. Anxiety disorders are real, and while self-diagnosing via TikTok might be tempting, a professional opinion is always the better move. The key is to assess where the anxiety is coming from, is it a rational fear or a runaway train of intrusive thoughts? Either way, if it’s interfering with daily life, it’s time to show it the door.

So, what can help? A little mind-and-body detox goes a long way. Whether it’s yoga, a Zumba class that gets the heart racing, or a scenic run (or a casual walk, no judgment), movement helps.

And before reaching for a phone to “de-stress,” let’s talk about the silent anxiety amplifier: social media. Scrolling through TikTok and Instagram can be fun, but it also fuels unhealthy comparisons. One minute, it’s an engagement announcement, the next, a spiral about personal timelines. And those impossibly aesthetic dinner spreads? They make takeout look like a sad afterthought.

Here’s the truth: what’s seen online is curated. That cute couple professing undying love? They’re not posting last night’s argument over who ate the last slice of pizza. So, stopping the comparisons and cutting back on screen time (especially if social media feeds anxiety), can make a difference.

What to do instead? Try playing a song that’s the exact opposite of how you feel. Scared? Blast something empowering. Feeling low? Go for an upbeat track. It’s a quick mindset reset – tried, tested, and highly recommended!