5 Reasons Why Anxiety Is a Total Waste of Time

Here are five reasons why anxiety is a total waste of time:

1. Anxiety Focuses on a Future That Hasn’t Happened Yet

Anxiety loves to dwell on the “what ifs” of life. It thrives on imagined scenarios, convincing us that something terrible is just around the corner. These worries are nothing more than illusions—false stories that anxiety crafts to keep us trapped in fear. The truth is, most of what we worry about never actually happens. By focusing on an uncertain future, we lose the opportunity to fully engage with the present.

Instead of letting anxiety dictate your thoughts, try grounding yourself in the here and now. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or simply noticing your surroundings, can help you break the cycle of worry. Therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be incredibly effective in challenging these anxious thoughts and replacing them with more balanced, realistic ones.

2. Anxiety Drains Energy by Fixating on What You Can’t Control

Anxiety has a sneaky way of directing our attention to everything that’s out of our control. Whether it’s worrying about the outcome of a situation or stressing over what others might think, anxiety diverts our energy away from the things we can actually influence. This leaves us feeling exhausted, defeated, and often too tired to take positive action.

But here’s the good news: you have more control than you think. Start by identifying what’s within your power to change and focus your efforts there. This might involve setting small, manageable goals or taking steps to improve your self-care routine. Working with a therapist or life coach can help you develop strategies to shift your focus from what’s out of your control to what you can actively influence.

3. Life Is a Series of Experiences—Don’t Let Anxiety Define Them

Life is full of experiences, both good and bad, but how we interpret those experiences is entirely up to us. Anxiety often tricks us into believing that every uncomfortable situation is a catastrophe. However, by taking a step back and viewing our experiences objectively, we can choose to make meaning out of them in a way that empowers us.

This perspective shift is key to overcoming anxiety. Rather than succumbing to the idea that you can’t handle something, remind yourself of the skills and strengths you possess. Life is about growth, and every experience—no matter how challenging—offers an opportunity to learn and evolve. In therapy, we often explore ways to reframe negative experiences, allowing clients to see them as valuable lessons rather than insurmountable obstacles.

4. Anxiety Feeds on Itself—Stop the Cycle Before It Starts

Anxiety has a way of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more we fear anxiety, the more power it gains over us. If we expect to feel anxious in a particular situation, we’re more likely to experience those feelings, giving anxiety exactly what it wants.

The key to breaking this cycle is to confront anxiety head-on. Instead of avoiding situations that make you anxious, face them with the knowledge that anxiety doesn’t have to control you. The more you practice this, the less power anxiety will have. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially effective in helping individuals identify and challenge the thoughts that fuel anxiety, leading to greater resilience and emotional freedom.

5. Anxiety Keeps You Stuck in the Past—It’s Time to Move Forward

Many people experience anxiety rooted in past traumas or negative experiences. While it’s important to acknowledge and process these events, dwelling on them keeps us trapped in a loop of fear and pain. The past is over, and while it has shaped who we are, it doesn’t have to dictate our future.

To break free from the past, it’s essential to focus on the present and the possibilities it holds. Techniques like affirmations, wellness recovery action plans, or even writing a goodbye letter to your past fears can help you move forward. If past trauma is a significant source of anxiety, psychotherapy can provide a safe space to explore these issues and develop healthier ways to cope.