8 things you don’t realize you’re doing because you’re constantly anxious and on edge

Ava Sinclair by Ava Sinclair | December 22, 2024, 7:41 pm

Anxiety can subtly influence various aspects of your daily life, often in ways that go unnoticed.

This article outlines eight common behaviors that arise from persistent feelings of unease and stress.

From overthinking decisions to constantly seeking reassurance, these patterns can hinder personal well-being and fulfillment.

Understanding these actions sheds light on how anxiety affects your life and guides you toward healthier coping mechanisms.

By becoming aware of these behaviors, meaningful steps can be taken to reclaim control and improve mental health.

1) Overthinking every decision

Anxiety has a sneaky way of turning even the simplest decisions into mental marathons.

It’s like being stuck in a loop of ‘what ifs’ and worst-case scenarios. From deciding what to wear in the morning to choosing what to eat for dinner, everything becomes an ordeal.

This incessant overthinking is an unconscious attempt to control the uncontrollable – the future.

It’s a classic sign of anxiety, yet it’s so ingrained in your daily life that you may not even realize you’re doing it.

2) Constantly apologizing

This is something I’ve caught myself doing far too often. Apologizing for things that are not even my fault or out of my control.

For instance, I’d find myself saying sorry when a colleague couldn’t meet a deadline or when the waiter brought the wrong order. It’s as if I was apologizing for my very existence.

The constant need to apologize doesn’t come from a place of genuine regret. Instead, it is rooted in anxiety and the fear of being a burden or causing inconvenience to others.

Over time, I’ve realized that this over-apologizing doesn’t serve me or the people around me. Instead, it reinforces the feeling of being perpetually at fault. 

3) Excessive worrying

Worrying is a normal part of life. We all have concerns and fears that keep us up at night. But when you’re constantly anxious, worrying becomes a full-time job.

And here’s a surprising bit of information: people with high levels of anxiety are less likely to die from accidents. This might be because they are hyper-aware of their surroundings and potential dangers.

However, this doesn’t mean that excessive worrying is good for you. It can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, upset stomachs, or even heart disease.

Not to mention, it can take a toll on your mental health and overall quality of life.

4) Avoiding social situations

When you’re constantly on edge, social situations can seem daunting. The thought of small talk, meeting new people, or even spending time with friends can trigger feelings of unease and discomfort.

You might find yourself declining invitations, making excuses to leave early, or avoiding social events altogether.

This isn’t because you don’t enjoy the company of others, but rather because the anxiety and stress of these situations feels overwhelming.

It’s okay to take time for yourself when you need it. But if you find that anxiety is consistently holding you back from enjoying social interactions, it might be time to seek help.

There are tools and strategies available to help manage these feelings and regain control over your social life.

5) Difficulty concentrating

Whether it’s work, a conversation with a friend, or a movie you’ve been meaning to watch, you might find it hard to stay focused when you’re constantly anxious or on edge.

Your mind tends to wander, often towards worries or fears that pull your attention away from the task at hand. This can make it difficult to complete tasks, follow conversations, or even enjoy leisure activities.

It’s like having a radio in the background that’s always on, continuously broadcasting your anxieties and worries. This constant noise can make it challenging to focus on anything else.

Techniques like mindfulness and meditation can help quiet the noise and improve your ability to concentrate.

6) Struggling with sleep

Sleep should be a sanctuary, a time for our bodies and minds to rest and rejuvenate. But when you’re constantly anxious or on edge, sleep can become a nightly struggle.

You might find yourself lying awake, staring at the ceiling while your mind races with worries. Or perhaps you’re plagued by nightmares that jolt you awake.

These restless nights can leave you feeling drained and exhausted, which only amplifies the anxiety and edginess.

I want you to know that you’re not alone in this struggle. Many people grappling with anxiety face the same sleep challenges. And while it’s a tough battle, there are steps you can take.

From establishing a calming bedtime routine to exploring cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, there are ways to improve your sleep and consequently, your overall well-being.

7) Seeking reassurance

Once upon a time, I found myself incessantly asking friends, family, and even colleagues if I was doing alright or if they were upset with me.

This constant need for validation wasn’t about boosting my ego, but rather about quelling the relentless anxiety that I wasn’t good enough or had somehow upset them.

This seeking of reassurance, while comforting for a moment, can become a vicious cycle. It’s often rooted in self-doubt and can cause strain on relationships as people may grow weary of constantly affirming you.

Breaking this cycle involves recognizing the pattern and learning to self-validate. 

8) Physical symptoms

Anxiety doesn’t just affect your mental state; it can manifest physically too.

When you’re constantly on edge, you might experience symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, stomachaches, or a racing heart.

These physical discomforts aren’t just “in your head.” They are real and can impact your day-to-day life. They’re your body’s response to the constant state of fight-or-flight that anxiety puts you in.

Understanding the link between your anxiety and these physical sensations is an important step towards managing them.

This knowledge can help you identify when your anxiety is spiking and take steps to calm both your mind and body.

You’re stronger than you realize

Living constantly on edge or with anxiety can be incredibly challenging. But every battle you face, every worry you overcome, makes you stronger.

You’re dealing with something that many people don’t understand, and yet, you keep going. That takes incredible strength and resilience.

Don’t underestimate your courage in facing each day. Even when it feels like anxiety is controlling your life, keep in mind that you have the power to fight back, to seek help, and to create change.