I gave ChatGPT that prompt and it said:
When you’re anxious, you’re usually stuck in your head — worrying about future possibilities, ruminating over past events, or overwhelmed by uncertainty. Action brings you into the present. It gives your mind something to focus on and your body something to do, which can break the cycle of anxious overthinking.
Here’s why action helps:
1. Shifts focus – Doing something concrete, even small, pulls attention away from anxious thoughts.
2. Restores a sense of control – Anxiety often comes from feeling helpless. Taking action gives you agency.
3. Builds momentum – One small step leads to another, which can reduce paralysis.
4. Engages the body – Physical movement can regulate stress hormones and calm the nervous system.
Examples of helpful actions:
- Making a to-do list
- Going for a walk
- Cleaning a drawer
- Calling a friend
- Writing things down
- Taking one small step on a project you’ve been avoiding
Important caveat:
Not all action is helpful — some actions are avoidance in disguise. The key is intentional, constructive action aligned with your values or goals.
Tomorrow I will post how Perplexity AI responded.
August 9, 2025
…knock on wood, being anxious isn’t a problem for me.
That’s great. 🙂
I tend to be really good at the actions that are avoidance in disguise
🙂
Ditto what Ann just said! For me (personally), I’d add blogging to my list of Helpful Actions.
Yes! When I discovered blogging I realized that is what I had been looking for most of my life. When I broke my hip and was away from home for 45 days, I still posted every day. It kept things on an even keel.
My husband has high anxiety. Doing physical work helps a lot. Living on the farm is good for him.
Yes!
I believe all of this. We should only worry about things that we are actually able to change. But that can be easier said than done.
It takes commitment and practice. And we don’t have to do it perfectly to make a big difference.
Truthfully, these things work for me. Especially cleaning or taking a walk outdoors…
Yes.
Good information
Thanks. 🙂
That is very good advice. A family member suffered greatly from anxiety and her therapist would have been right on board with ChatGPT’s words of wisdom.
Thanks. 🙂
If you’re busy you might forget you are anxious!
Especially if it’s something you can get absorbed in.
I agaree with Ginny – and you – but it is not easy!
It’s worth working on. 🙂