Understanding Anxiety & Finding Your Calm

"anxiety can impact every area of life"

“Why am I feeling this way?”

If you’ve ever asked yourself that question in the middle of a racing heart, a sudden wave of fear, or a moment where your thoughts just won’t slow down—you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health experiences, and while it’s incredibly uncomfortable, it’s also highly treatable.

Here at West Shore Wellness, LLC, we work with many individuals who struggle with anxiety. Whether it shows up as chronic worry, panic attacks, social avoidance, or constant restlessness, anxiety can impact every area of life—from relationships and work to sleep and self-confidence. Our hope is that this helps you to understand what anxiety is, why it happens, and how to start calming your system with accessible mindfulness tools.

What Is Anxiety? (And Why Do We Feel It?)

At its core, anxiety is your brain’s way of protecting you. It’s part of your “fight-flight-freeze” response—an ancient system designed to help us respond to threats. When your brain perceives danger (real or imagined), it floods your body with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to help you act quickly.

The problem? In today’s world, many of the “threats” we respond to aren’t life-or-death. Instead, they’re things like deadlines, social situations, parenting stress, or uncertainty about the future. And for those with anxiety disorders, the alarm system goes off too often and too intensely.

Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Racing or looping thoughts

• Muscle tension or restlessness

• Difficulty sleeping

• Nausea or stomach discomfort

• Feeling easily overwhelmed or on edge

• Avoiding situations that trigger fear

  
  

Understanding that these symptoms are biological responses can reduce shame. Your body isn’t broken—it’s trying to help, but it may need some support to recalibrate.

Mindfulness: A Simple Practice to Calm the Nervous System

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment. It’s not about “clearing your mind” or becoming perfectly calm—it’s about becoming aware of your experience and gently grounding yourself in the now.

Here’s a simple grounding practice you can try right now:

The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique

This is a sensory awareness tool that helps you shift attention away from anxious thoughts and back into your body and environment.

1. 5 things you can see – Look around and name five visible objects.

2. 4 things you can feel – Notice sensations like the chair beneath you or your feet on the floor.

3. 3 things you can hear – Tune in to sounds around you, both near and far.

4. 2 things you can smell – Take a deep breath and notice any scents.

5. 1 thing you can taste – Even if you’re not eating, notice any lingering taste in your mouth.

This practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system—your “rest and digest” mode—which helps counteract the effects of anxiety.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

While mindfulness and other coping tools are powerful, anxiety can sometimes become overwhelming. You don’t have to manage it alone. Therapy offers a safe space to explore the roots of anxiety, identify triggers, learn new tools, and begin healing patterns that no longer serve you.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches are all evidence-based methods we use at West Shore Wellness, LLC to support clients in managing anxiety more effectively.

Anxiety Groups – Fall 2025 at West Shore Wellness, LLC

This fall, we’re launching Anxiety Groups for children, teens, and adults at West Shore Wellness, LLC. These groups are designed to help participants:

• Understand the science of anxiety

• Learn and practice grounding and mindfulness skills

• Share experiences in a supportive, nonjudgmental space

• Build confidence and emotional resilience

  
  

Whether you’re newly navigating anxiety or looking to deepen your coping skills, these groups offer connection, guidance, and growth.

To learn more or reserve your spot, please Click Here, contact us at office@westshorewellnessllc.com or call (717) 301-4044.

Let’s take the next step together—toward understanding, healing, and peace.

Warmly,

The West Shore Wellness Team