Managing Anxiety

Welcome back to part 2 of our blog series, “How to Master Anxiety.” In Part 1, we discussed some shocking statistics about anxiety and explored its symptoms. We also learned that knowledge is power, and increasing awareness is an important factor in managing anxiety.

Today we’ll explore the deep-seated roots of anxiety, shining a light on the societal norms and expectations that fuel this all-too-common issue. While anxiety is a complex condition that can have multiple underlying causes, ranging from genetics to traumatic experiences, the impact of social pressures and expectations can often go unnoticed.

We’ll delve into how conforming to these standards can erode our sense of self-worth and identity, particularly in today’s fast-paced world, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

It’s worth remembering however that anxiety is a natural human emotion, and with the right tools and techniques – such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and lifestyle adjustments – it’s possible to manage it effectively. So, settle in with a warm cup of tea as we embark on a journey to uncover possible factors that can lead to anxiety.

Celeb Culture and Social Media

The celebrity culture in the United States has permeated every aspect of life, from entertainment and fashion to politics and social media. The media bombards us with images and stories of the rich and famous, making it easy for us to become infatuated with their glamorous lifestyles and captivating personalities.

Their influence on our society is so pervasive that we often find ourselves idolizing them and aspiring to be like them. A phenomenon rooted in our innate desire for social acceptance and belonging.

We look to celebrities as role models and seek to emulate their behavior in order to fit in and be perceived as cool or fashionable. Jennifer Garner endorses Capital One or Serena Williams endorses Nike products and we can’t wait to sign up or make a purchase.

They’re often seen as symbols of success and achievement and their wealth, fame, and influence make them seem larger than life. We want their fame and fortune and to be just like them.

And it is much the same with social media. A breeding ground for false personas and unattainable standards. It seems like every time we scroll through our feeds, we’re bombarded with images of people living lavish lifestyles filled with exotic vacations, high-end fashion, and extravagant dining experiences. It’s easy to feel like we’re missing out on all the fun while we’re stuck in our mundane 9-5 routines.

But let’s not forget that these curated online personas are often far from reality. People often post only highlights making it seem like they are constantly living a glamorous and exciting life. Not putting things into perspective and obsessing over others can harm your health, as it can trigger feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (fear of missing out).

The dark side of celebrity culture is that it can bring about feelings of unworthiness and low self-esteem. When you constantly compare yourself to these seemingly perfect and flawless god-like figures you may feel like you fall short and are not good enough. This can create a vicious cycle of striving for unattainable standards and feeling disappointed when you fail to meet them.

The pervasive influence of celebrity culture and the allure of social media have contributed to the development of a harmful and insatiable consumerist/materialist culture that is deeply concerning. It creates an insidious mindset where you yearn for more and more, relentlessly chasing after it with ravenous hunger. You’re willing to go to extreme lengths to attain more money, status, power, and attention, resorting to the most drastic measures to fill this insatiable desire. It’s a sad state of affairs reflecting a society where materialism and fame hold a vice-like grip on the collective psyche, leaving you constantly craving more and never truly satisfied. (I mention this in my Youtube video HERE)

The Troubling Connection Between Consumerism and Anxiety

The constant pressure to consume and conform to the latest trends can take a significant toll on your well-being. You may find yourself continuously striving to keep up with the latest products, fashion, and technology, to the extent that you lose sight of who you truly are. Inevitably, you undergo a transformation, adopting a persona that is not your own, and you become trapped in a performative charade, competing with others to maintain a false image of yourself. This kind of inauthenticity can be corrosive, leading to a sense of disconnection from your true self and causing your spirit to suffer.

As you become more and more disconnected from your authentic self, you begin to feel a sense of dissonance, which can lead to anxiety and other mental health problems. The pressure to keep up with societal expectations can cause you to feel overwhelmed, you are not good enough or successful enough if you do not possess the latest gadgets or fashion items….leading to physical and emotional exhaustion. Anxiety thrives in the gap between who you are and who we think we should be. Your natural state is one of harmony and balance, but this constant struggle to conform to external expectations can throw you off balance and take you away from that natural state. It is crucial to take a step back, reconnect with your authentic self, and focus on what truly matters to you to restore your well-being and lead a more fulfilling life.

Maintaining the Status Quo

Blindly adhering to societal norms and expectations, can set you up for a major source of anxiety. Society imposes certain standards and expectations and cultural conditioning, such as obtaining a certain level of education, securing a well-paying job, finding a life partner, and accumulating wealth. In turn, you feel obligated to meet these expectations in order to fit in with the norm, perhaps over-worrying about maintaining your current lifestyle.

This constant pressure to conform can often cause you to live in a perpetual state of anxiety. You may worry about losing your job security or failing to meet your financial obligations. At the same time, you may feel anxious about not having enough or acquiring more to satisfy the expectations imposed by society.

The anxiety that results from this constant pressure prevents you from enjoying the present moment fully. Instead of being fully present, you are constantly preoccupied with thoughts of the future or the past. Although anxiety is a natural response that is beneficial for survival, it can be unnecessarily triggered by societal pressure.

In order to live a fulfilling life, we need to challenge societal norms and expectations that do not align with our personal values and beliefs. We should question the status quo and strive to live according to our own standards, rather than those imposed by society. Only then can we break free from the anxiety caused by the constant pressure to conform, and live in the present moment with peace of mind.

Challenging Societal Norms and Expectations

We often idolize and put on a pedestal those who we see as successful and enviable. We look to celebrities like Beyonce, the Kardashians, and Britney Spears as symbols of perfection, wishing we could have their lives. However, we fail to recognize that underneath the glitz and glamour lies a human being, just like you.

Their fame and fortune may set them apart from you in terms of their experiences, but their intrinsic value as human beings remains the same. They share the same vulnerabilities and shortcomings as you do and are no less prone to life’s trials and tragedies than you are.

It’s important to challenge your perceptions and ideas about celebrities, and social media, most of which don’t hold up to scrutiny. This goes for all aspects of life that are dictated to by others. While other people can provide inspiration and motivation, the lives of the rich and famous may not be as desirable as you imagine; recognizing that wealth and fame do not necessarily equate to happiness and fulfillment.

Do we really want to live in Beyonce’s shoes, with the constant scrutiny, pressure, and lack of privacy? Do you truly understand the sacrifices and trade-offs that come with fame and fortune?

Moreover, the true reality of these celebrities remains unknown to you. While you may be familiar with their brand and public image, their brand representation often outweighs their true persona. This raises the question of what is genuine and what is merely a public relations strategy. Can they ever divulge personal truths that contradict their brand image? Such considerations should lead you to question the true identity of the celebrities you admire.

It is worth remembering that every individual, regardless of their status or position in society, has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures, and personal struggles. Strive to see beyond the superficial and appreciate your own humanity and value.

Engaging in a practice of challenging your ideas, and firmly-held beliefs, is the first step of transcending narrow perspectives, prejudices, bias, and preconceptions, and instead embracing a more rational, and analytical mode of thought that empowers you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world you inhabit. (Get to know you and what makes your heart sing with this introspective Coaching Tool.)

Choosing Our Own Path: The Power of Adopting Our Personal Values

Our examination so far has focused on concepts derived from our society, with the purpose of understanding their influence on our daily thoughts and values. The social media realm and our infatuation with the celebrity culture revolve around superficial and fleeting ideals. This is neither inherently positive nor negative, but it does prompt us to reflect on the extent to which we subscribe to these societal norms while ignoring our own path and personal values. We subject ourselves to unrealistic expectations only to criticize ourselves when we fail to meet them.

Imagine a world where societal norms and expectations no longer held sway over us. I’m not proposing that we do away with influential figures like Oprah or Lady Gaga, but rather that you shift your focus inward, where your self-worth and identity are not determined by the shallow and transient values of the wealthy and famous or the whims and fancies of social media. This would require a new paradigm that prioritizes your own values and beliefs, rather than relying so heavily on external factors.

If we were not so firmly held by certain social norms and expectations, I am curious about the type of society we would create. Perhaps it would look more like this:

• People would pursue careers and hobbies that align with their personal values and passions, without feeling pressured to conform to societal expectations of success or productivity and what is deemed socially acceptable or prestigious.
• A shift from rigid beauty standards and body ideals to a greater focus on maintaining a healthy body would relieve the pressure to conform.
• Materialism and consumerism would be replaced by a focus on sustainability and ethical consumption, leading to a healthier planet and a more equitable society.
• People would have the freedom to express their true selves without fear of judgment or rejection.
• The stigma around mental illness and disabilities would be dismantled, leading to a more compassionate and inclusive society. It would take a higher priority, and people would feel more comfortable seeking help when needed.
• There would be less emphasis on material possessions and more emphasis on experiences and relationships.
• Relationships and connections would be based on genuine compatibility and shared values, rather than superficial factors such as wealth or status.
• Education would focus more on individual growth and development rather than standardized testing and academic achievement, prioritizing individual learning styles and interests, rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Communities would prioritize empathy and understanding, leading to greater acceptance and inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
• People would feel more empowered to make their own decisions and pursue their own paths, rather than feeling restricted by societal norms and expectations.

This is not necessarily advocating for a perfect world since I don’t think that’s possible. However, I strongly believe that challenging the societal norms, media, and social media influence on us as individuals, can gradually create a positive shift in our collective mindset.

Developing a robust sense of self-identity and confidence is crucial for breaking away from the norm. It can be intimidating to go against the crowd and risk being seen as an outsider. However, it takes real courage to pursue what truly matters to you, even when it’s not considered “cool” by others. And let’s not forget the importance of social connections. It’s natural to want to belong and feel connected with others. But by staying true to yourself and your beliefs, you can still cultivate meaningful relationships while carving out your unique path.

Having a clear understanding of who you are and a strong value system, means you’re more likely to feel confident in your decisions and actions. This confidence can help you reject societal norms and expectations that hinder your personal growth and do not align with your authentic self. By doing so, you can avoid the pressure and anxiety that often come with trying to conform to external expectations. Instead, you prioritize your own well-being and pursue a path that is central to your identity and honors your core values. This can provide a sense of security and resilience, which are valuable tools in managing anxiety and navigating life’s challenges.

As we near the end of this series, I invite you to stay tuned for the final part, where I will share powerful tools and techniques that can make a real difference in your daily life. Whether you are dealing with mild anxiety or more severe symptoms, there are always steps you can take to improve your well-being and find greater peace of mind. So keep an eye out for the next installment, and remember that you are not alone on this journey. I’m here to support you every step of the way. Consider scheduling a FREE Life strategy one-on-one session with me today!

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog, I hope you gained some valuable insights. Should you have any queries, remarks, or suggestions, feel free to contact me, I am always keen to receive your feedback and continue the conversation!

Also, if you would like to stay connected and be updated on my future blog posts, please feel free to sign up for my NEWSLETTER and follow me on my social media. I am always eager to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests and passions. Thank you again, and I hope to see you soon out there in the social media stratosphere! ❤️

With grace and gratitude

Michelle

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