How to Overcome Anxiety by Staying in the Moment

It can be hard to stay in the moment during an anxiety episode. When your mind is racing and you feel like...

Anxiety
March 21, 2025

It can be hard to stay in the moment during an anxiety episode.

When your mind is racing and you feel like you're constantly on edge, it's easy to let yourself get wrapped up in your worries.

Anxiety can be incredibly debilitating, making it hard to focus on anything else.

This post will share some ideas on how to stay in the moment and overcome your anxiety.  

Examples of How to Stay in the Moment

One of the best ways to cope with anxiety is to learn how to stay in the moment.

This means being aware of your surroundings and focusing on the present moment instead of worrying about what might happen in the future.

There are several different ways to stay in the moment, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you.

One simple way to stay in the moment is to focus on your breath.

Pay attention to the way your chest rises and falls with each breath.

You can also try closing your eyes and focusing on the sounds around you.

Another way to cope with anxiety and stay in the moment is to focus on your body and how it feels.

Notice the sensations of your feet touching the ground or your hands resting on your lap. A few other ways you stay in the moment are:

  • Doing a physical activity such as walking, running, or yoga
  • Drawing or painting
  • Writing in a journal
  • Listening to music
  • Lounging in nature

The goal is to find an activity that you can do that will help you focus on the present moment and tune out your anxiety.

By paying attention to the present moment, you can help to reduce your anxiety and stress levels.  

a person enjoying a bunch of bubbles floating around them

Anxiety Can be Caused by Focusing on the Future or Past, Instead of the Present Moment

Anxiety can be caused by focusing on the future or past, instead of the present moment.

This can lead to worries about what might happen or what has happened in the past.

When you're constantly living in either the future or the past, you're not living in the present moment.

This can make it difficult to enjoy life and increases stress levels. Learning how to stay in the present moment can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

There are different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own specific symptoms.

  • Constant worry or obsessive thinking
  • Avoiding things that trigger anxiety
  • Feeling agitated, restless, or irritable
  • Muscle tension
  • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

It's normal to feel anxious at times. Everyone has different symptoms. For some people, anxiety may be a short-term response to a stressful situation.

For others, it can be an ongoing problem that interferes with daily activities.

A reason why it's important to focus on the present moment is that that's all there is.

The past is gone and the future hasn't happened yet.

By focusing on the present, you can help to reduce your anxiety and stress levels.

Notice When you Start to Feel Anxious and Remind Yourself to Stay in the Moment

Pay attention to when your mind starts to wander and anxiously ruminate on past or future events.

Once you've identified these moments, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are safe in the present moment. Some things you can say to yourself are:

  • "I am in the present moment."
  • "I am surrounded by love and support."
  • "Everything is going to be okay."

These affirmations can help to ground you in the present moment and reduce your anxiety.

Focus on your surroundings and notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

If your mind begins to wander again, gently bring it back to the present moment.

With practice, you'll be able to train your mind to overcome anxiety and stay in the moment more effectively.

a tea pot with steam coming out

Seek Professional Help if Anxiety is Impacting your Quality of Life

Learning how to cope with anxiety can be a difficult and frustrating process.

However, it is important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety in different ways, and what works for one person may not work for another.

If you find that your anxiety is impacting your quality of life, it is important to seek professional help.

A therapist can help you to understand your anxiety and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

In addition, medication may be prescribed if your anxiety is severe.

With the help of a professional, you can develop the tools you need to cope with anxiety by staying in the moment and living a happy and fulfilling life.

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only. This content should not be used as a substitute for advice from a medical professional. If you think you need professional advice, please reach out to a licensed professional.

Conclusion

Staying in the moment can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

It is important to be patient when learning how to live in the moment, as it can take time to train your mind to focus on the present.

If you find that your anxiety is impacting your quality of life, seek professional help.

A therapist can help you to understand your anxiety and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

In addition, medication may be prescribed if your anxiety is severe.

With the help of a professional, you can develop the tools you need to cope with anxiety and live a happy and fulfilling life.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Anxiety

What other activities are beneficial for reducing anxiety symptoms?

Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.

How long does anxiety counseling typically take?

The duration of anxiety counseling varies for each individual, depending on the severity of their anxiety and their progress in therapy. Our therapists will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Why is it important to address anxiety?

Addressing anxiety is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.

Are there specific therapy services for anxiety and depression covered by Medicaid?

Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Access to licensed therapists who specialize in these areas is available within the Medicaid network.

What can I do to reduce my anxiety?

To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.

Will medication help with my anxiety?

Medication is often prescribed for anxiety due to the fact that it works quickly to ease symptoms of distress or panic attacks in some cases. However, this should always be discussed with your doctor so they can provide guidance on what's right for you and the type of medication best suited for your needs.