Before discussing solutions for anxiety, we need to understand why people feel anxious in the first place.

Claire Weekes classifies anxiety into two types:

1、Fear of Fear: The initial stressor may have disappeared, but the individual begins to fear their reaction to stress. This fear perpetuates their anxiety.
2、Obsessing Over Symptoms: The individual focuses on unresolved symptoms or health issues. They believe they cannot relax until these are fully resolved.
Understanding the Two Types of Anxiety

For example, take a man who is anxious about his hair loss:

Doctor: "Why are you losing so much hair?"
Man: "Because I'm anxious."
Doctor: "What are you anxious about?"
Man: "I'm anxious about my hair loss!"
Initially, stress caused his hair loss, but his fear of this symptom fueled further anxiety, creating a vicious cycle.

In the second type, anxiety often masquerades as hypochondria. People suffering from long-term physical discomfort or unexplained symptoms grow overly concerned about their health. They may rush to the hospital for reassurance whenever minor symptoms arise. These individuals are not truly hypochondriacs but are anxious about their body’s condition worsening.

Anxiety and Self-Imposed Burdens
Most anxiety stems not from external pressures but from the internal weight we place on ourselves.

Now that we understand this, how can we shift our mindset?

Claire Weekes proposed a four-step method to cope with anxiety: Face, Accept, Float, and Wait.

1. Face It, Don’t Avoid It
Avoidance is a common response, but it often backfires. Trying not to think about anxiety—for instance, avoiding the thought of a racing heartbeat—can make the feeling more prominent.

Instead, when experiencing symptoms like rapid heartbeat, acknowledge it:

"My heart is racing, and that's okay."
If social situations cause fear, think: "Maybe this time I'll enjoy it."
Behavioral therapy employs a method called systematic desensitization, where individuals gradually confront their fears. Similarly, facing anxiety involves recognizing and tolerating discomfort.

For example:

Place your hand on the part of your body experiencing discomfort. Say aloud: “I have back pain,” or “I feel my heart racing.”
This practice helps you acknowledge your feelings without avoiding or suppressing them.
2. Accept It, Don’t Fight It
Anxiety sufferers often display immense courage but may overcompensate by trying to fight their fears, which can exacerbate symptoms.

When you resist anxiety, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can heighten physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or trembling. Instead of combating these sensations, practice acceptance:

Accept your anxiety as part of your current reality without resistance.
Recognize that healing takes time. Even if your mind feels ready, your body might take longer to catch up.
Acceptance isn’t about resignation or tolerating pain passively—it’s about acknowledging symptoms without frustration or impatience.

3. Float, Don’t Fixate
Often, anxiety perpetuates itself. The fear of anxiety creates more anxiety. To counter this, adopt a "floating" mindset:

For example:

If daily tasks like getting out of bed feel overwhelming, break them into smaller steps. Don’t judge yourself for feeling slow or tired.
Celebrate small achievements: "Today, I brushed my teeth—that’s progress."
Author Jenny Lawson humorously compares herself to Galileo:

"Even if all I did today was take a shower, I accomplished more than Galileo did today—because he’s dead."
Such lightheartedness helps reframe struggles and encourages a less critical perspective.

4. Wait Patiently, Don’t Rush
Recovery requires patience. Just as a wound needs time to heal, the body needs time to recover from anxiety.

Sometimes, residual symptoms linger even after mental acceptance. Trust your body’s process. If you’ve done your best to face, accept, and float, simply wait. Avoid overanalyzing setbacks or blaming anxiety for every misstep.

Final Thoughts
To face anxiety, follow Claire Weekes’ advice: Face, Accept, Float, and Wait.

It may sound simplistic, but these principles are powerful when practiced consistently.

Let’s end with a quote from André Gide:

"I live in a marvelous state of expectation, waiting for any kind of future... Even in a waterless desert, I would endure the scorching sun to increase my thirst."