Anxiety in Everyday Life: How to Recognise It and What You Can Do About It – Insights from a Psychologist in Limassol, Cyprus

Anxiety is something many of us experience, but few of us fully understand. It can show up quietly, woven into your daily life. Sometimes it’s a racing heart before a meeting. Other times, it’s lying in bed with your mind spinning when all you want is rest. Over time, it becomes easy to assume that this feeling is “just how life is.” But it doesn’t have to be.

So what is anxiety, really?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress. It’s your body’s way of staying alert to danger, even if the “danger” is just an uncomfortable situation or a difficult conversation. In healthy amounts, anxiety helps us stay motivated, plan ahead, or protect ourselves. But when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it can interfere with how we think, feel, and act.

Here in Cyprus, I see more and more people reaching out for help not because something dramatic has happened, but because they feel stuck in a constant state of tension. They’re exhausted, on edge, or feeling “off,” but can’t quite explain why. That’s what anxiety often looks like in real life, not panic attacks (though those happen too), but daily discomfort that becomes your normal.

How to Recognise Anxiety in Your Everyday Life

Anxiety doesn’t always look like fear. It can look like:

• Overthinking small interactions, worrying you said the wrong thing

• Avoiding social situations because they feel too draining

• Trouble sleeping because your brain won’t switch off

• Physical symptoms like headaches, chest tightness, or a tense jaw

• Constantly feeling like something bad is going to happen, even when things are okay

If you relate to any of these, your mind might be in a state of hyper-alertness, even when you’re physically safe. That’s anxiety. It’s not “just stress”, it’s your nervous system reacting as if something is wrong, even when nothing is.

What to Do If You Think You're Experiencing Anxiety

Here are two important things to know:

1. You are not alone. Anxiety is incredibly common, and very human.

2. It’s treatable. There are things you can do, even today, that can help you start feeling more in control.

   
   

Here’s what you can try:

1. Learn to slow down your breathing.

When we’re anxious, our breathing becomes fast and shallow. This tells the body there’s danger — even if there isn’t. To break the cycle:

• Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique: Inhale for 4 seconds → hold for 7 seconds → exhale slowly for 8 seconds. Do this for 2–3 minutes, especially when you feel tension building.

  
  

  

  4-7-8 Breathing Technique for Stress and Anxiety

  
  

2. Create a “worry window.”

Instead of letting anxious thoughts take over your whole day, set aside 10–15 minutes at the same time each day just to worry. During that time, write down everything on your mind. Outside of that window, if a worry pops up, remind yourself: “I’ll think about this later.” This small habit helps you set mental boundaries.

3. Identify your triggers.

Ask yourself: When do I feel most anxious? Is it before meetings? In crowded spaces? After scrolling social media? Start paying attention to the patterns. The more aware you are, the more you can prepare or change how you respond.

4. Move your body.

Anxiety is stored not just in your mind, but in your muscles. Even a short walk, stretching, or gentle movement can help release physical tension. You don’t need a gym — just 10 minutes of movement can reset your nervous system.

When to Consider Therapy

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, making you feel exhausted, disconnected, or stuck — talking to a psychologist can help. Therapy gives you the space to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface. It helps you:

• Identify the root causes of your anxiety

• Learn new ways to respond to stress

• Build confidence and emotional safety

• Feel like yourself again

Therapy isn’t about being “broken”, it’s about learning how to care for yourself in a deeper, more sustainable way.

A Final Word of Reassurance

If any of this sounds familiar, please know: there is nothing wrong with you. Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re human. The world is demanding. Life can be heavy. But you don’t have to carry it all alone.

As a psychologist based in Cyprus, I work with people who feel exactly like you. Together, we create space to explore your anxiety, gently and at your own pace. Whether you live in Nicosia, Limassol, or prefer online therapy from the comfort of your home, help is available.

If you’re ready to take that first step, I invite you to explore more about how I work, or simply reach out and ask a question. You’re not committing to anything by reaching out. You’re just starting a conversation, and sometimes, that’s the most powerful step of all.