When Rest Feels Impossible: The Anxiety of Stillness

For some people, rest doesn't feel calming. It actually feels unsafe. Hi, I'm Dr. Andrea Zorbas, a psychologist from Therapy Now SF. Many people expect rest to feel soothing, but for others, stillness actually triggers anxiety.

Let's talk about why that happens and how to retrain your nervous system to tolerate that calm time.

So first off, stillness removes distractions. So when things get quiet is actually when the anxious thoughts and sensations get louder.

Next, your nervous system may be used to stress, which is true for a lot of us.

Chronic busyness becomes your baseline. Making calm, feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar.

Next, anxiety will mistake calm for a sense of danger. The body stays alert even when there's no real threat.

And lastly, you can slowly build tolerance for rest. Gentle gradual pauses will help your nervous system learn that calm is actually safe.

So if rest feels uncomfortable or anxiety spikes when you slow down. Contact Therapy Now SF. Therapy can help you feel safer in moments of calm.