How to Deal with Anxiety

Let me share a little story from 2006 that changed everything for me when it comes to understanding how to deal with anxiety.

It’s simple, but it’s powerful, and I call it the “Friends” mindset.

The “Friends” Mindset: Laughing at Your Anxiety

Have you ever watched the show Friends? There’s this hilarious scene where Ross is on a date wearing tight leather pants. Halfway through, he goes to the bathroom, takes off the pants, and realizes he can’t get them back on. He’s stuck, panicking, with powder and cream everywhere, while his date is left wondering what’s taking so long.

Now, imagine yourself in Ross’s shoes. You’d be terrified, right? It would feel like the worst thing ever. But as a viewer, you’re just sitting there, laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

That’s when I had a revelation: What if, when I feel anxious, I could view myself like a character in a sitcom? What if I could learn to laugh at my anxiety?

This mindset shift was life-changing.

How Humor Can Help You Deal with Anxiety

Instead of letting anxiety take control, I started seeing it as something to laugh at. It’s like, “Yeah, I’m anxious—how hilarious is that?” When you laugh at your anxiety, it loses its power. You stop taking it so seriously, and suddenly, it’s not such a big deal anymore.

I’m not suggesting that you should ignore your anxiety or pretend it doesn’t exist. But what if you could join in on the joke? If others laugh at you, laugh with them. Turn the situation into something amusing rather than terrifying.

Use Exaggeration to Overcome Anxiety

Here’s a tip: When anxiety hits, embrace it, exaggerate it, and then laugh. If you’re in a conversation and suddenly run out of things to say, instead of panicking, just own it. Say, “Wow, I just ran out of things to say! Isn’t that something?” Exaggerate the situation to the point where you can laugh at it, and watch how quickly the anxiety fades.

This approach works not just for anxiety but for any situation that feels overwhelming.

Understanding the Root of Anxiety

Anxiety often stems from fear of judgment or the belief that we’re being watched and evaluated by others. But remember, no one knows you better than you. Their opinions don’t define you, and their judgments don’t control you.

How to deal with anxiety isn’t about letting it consume you. It’s about realizing that you have the power to change how you perceive it. You get to decide whether it’s a big deal or just another funny moment in the sitcom of your life.

Laughing Through the Absurdity of Anxiety

So next time anxiety starts to creep in, take a step back and imagine you’re watching yourself on TV. Laugh a little, embrace the absurdity of it all, and remind yourself that you’re the only one who gets to decide how much weight this moment holds.

By shifting your perspective and using humor as a tool, you’ll find it much easier to deal with anxiety and regain your confidence in any situation.

Final Thoughts: Building Confidence Through Laughter

When you learn to laugh at your anxiety, it loses its grip on you. You’re no longer a victim of it—you’re the one in control. This small yet powerful shift in mindset can completely change the way you handle anxiety and even help boost your confidence.

So, what’s stopping you? The next time you feel anxious, try to laugh at yourself. Treat it like a silly moment in a sitcom rather than a life-or-death situation.

Would you like to improve your confidence even more?

Embrace the humor in life’s awkward moments and learn how to deal with anxiety by laughing at it. The more you practice, the easier it will become to manage anxious situations with confidence.

Julien Blanc

Want to meet me in person? Get your ticket for the NO ANXIETY TOUR and take the next step towards a life free from anxiety.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does humor help in dealing with anxiety?

Humor helps by shifting your perspective on anxiety. When you can laugh at your anxious moments, it reduces the intensity and helps you see the situation as less threatening.

Is laughing at my anxiety a way of ignoring it?

No, it’s not about ignoring your anxiety. It’s about embracing it and using humor to lighten the experience, making it easier to manage without letting it overwhelm you.

What are some practical ways to laugh at my anxiety?

Exaggerate the situation in your head or imagine yourself as a character in a sitcom. Own the moment by making light of it, which helps to reduce its emotional charge.

Can laughing at anxiety improve my confidence?

Yes! By laughing at your anxiety, you take control of the situation, which can improve your confidence. It helps you realize that you are capable of handling stressful situations without being controlled by fear.

What if my anxiety is too overwhelming to laugh at?

In cases where anxiety feels overwhelming, it’s important to seek professional help. Humor can be a great tool for mild anxiety, but deeper issues may require therapy or other strategies to manage effectively.