How To Manage Anxiety When You’re A Pleaser?

Navigating the Tightrope: Strategies for Pleasers to Handle Anxiety

Anxiety can be a tough nut to crack, especially for those among us who are natural pleasers. Yup, you know who you are—the ones who’d bend over backwards to make sure everyone else is happy, often at the expense of your own peace of mind. Let’s face it, while being a people-pleaser has its golden moments, it can sometimes feel like you’re walking a tightrope, trying to balance your own needs with the expectations of others. Fear not! With some savvy strategies, you can manage your anxiety without losing your pleaser badge.

A Deep Dive into Anxiety-Alleviating Techniques

1. Learn to Say “No” (Without the Guilt Trip)

Oh boy, this is a biggie. Saying no might feel like you’re betraying your inner pleaser, but think of it as setting healthy boundaries instead. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about self-preservation. Not every request needs your stamp of approval. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your own needs—people will understand, and if they don’t, well, that’s on them, not you.

2. Master the Art of Self-Dialogue

Ever find yourself spiraling into a pit of anxiety-fueled thoughts? It’s time to become your own best cheerleader. Practice positive self-talk and challenge those nagging doubts. Replace thoughts like “I must make everyone happy” with “I choose to make my well-being a priority.” It might feel odd at first, but like any art form, it gets better with practice.

3. Embrace the Power of “Me Time”

Schedule some quality time with, you guessed it, yourself! It’s not just about Netflix and chill (though, totally valid); it’s about doing things that replenish your soul. Be it reading, hiking, or mastering underwater basket weaving—find what makes you tick and carve out time for it. This is your guilt-free zone. No pleaser duties allowed.

4. Get Your Body Movin’

Turns out, breaking a sweat does wonders for anxious minds. Whether it’s yoga, dancing in your living room, or jogging while pretending you’re in a movie montage, getting active releases endorphins, aka the feel-good hormones. Plus, it’s a great excuse to escape the never-ending to-do list of pleasable tasks.

5. Seek Out Your Tribe

Surround yourself with peeps who get it. Having a support system of friends or family members who understand the plight of the pleaser can be incredibly affirming. They’re there to remind you that it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. Bonus points if they’re willing to engage in mutual rant sessions or offer a shoulder to lean on.

6. Consider Professional Guidance

Sometimes, the load gets too heavy to shoulder alone, and that’s perfectly okay. Seeking help from a therapist or counselor can provide you with strategies tailored to your specific needs. Plus, it’s a safe space to explore the roots of your people-pleasing tendencies and how they’re intertwined with your anxiety.

The Bottom Line

Balancing your natural inclination to please with the need to manage anxiety is a journey, not a sprint. It’s about small, consistent steps toward valuing your own well-being as much as you do others’. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving—pleaser badge and all. Remember, it’s not about changing who you are; it’s about adding layers of self-care and boundaries to ensure you’re not just happy on the outside, but on the inside too.