Pay attention! Know the differences between anxiety and intuition

Every day, we all face decisions that generate uncertainty. Sometimes we have a hunch that compels us to act or stop, while other times we experience a worry that paralyzes us. How do we know if we're listening to our intuition or if we're actually reacting out of anxiety?

Although both feelings may seem similar at first glance, distinguishing between intuition and anxiety is essential for making more conscious and healthy decisions.

READ: When is it time to give up? Expert answers. What is intuition?

Intuition is an immediate knowledge that does not go through an evident rational process. It is that internal feeling that offers us guidance without the need to thoroughly analyze the facts. According to psychology specialists, intuition arises from experience, accumulated learning, and patterns our brain has unconsciously recorded.

An intuitive signal is usually clear, calm, and brief. It doesn't cause anxiety or persist. It's a kind of inner "knowing" that arises naturally and, in many cases, helps people make sound decisions, especially in situations where rational analysis can't encompass all the factors.

What is anxiety?

On the other hand, anxiety is an emotional response to the perception of a threat or danger, real or imagined. In an attempt to protect us, the mind generates negative or catastrophic scenarios that can generate fear, anxiety, and tension. Unlike intuition, anxiety is usually persistent, intense, and often disproportionate to the actual situation.

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Anxiety can cloud judgment, causing us to second-guess our decisions or driving us to act impulsively, not out of inner conviction, but out of a desire to relieve discomfort.

How to differentiate them?

Although they can sometimes be confused, there are some keys to distinguishing intuition from anxiety:

• Physical sensation: Intuition is perceived as a serene calm or a subtle signal in the body. Anxiety, on the other hand, often causes symptoms such as palpitations, muscle tension, or difficulty breathing.
• Duration: Intuition manifests quickly and then disappears if you pay attention to it. Anxiety tends to be persistent and ruminative.
• Thought Content: Intuition guides without fear or extreme judgment. Anxiety is loaded with negative "what ifs?" and catastrophic scenarios.
• Associated emotion: Listening to your intuition builds inner confidence, even if it sometimes means making difficult decisions. Anxiety, on the other hand, often causes distress and confusion.

What to do if you're not sure?

When it's not clear whether what you're feeling is intuition or anxiety, it can be helpful to pause and observe your internal state. Taking deep breaths, writing down your thoughts, or consulting with someone you trust can help you gain clarity.

Practicing mindfulness techniques is also very effective in strengthening your connection to your intuition and reducing anxiety levels.

Knowing how to distinguish between anxiety and intuition is a powerful tool for navigating life more authentically and confidently. While intuition connects us with our inner wisdom, anxiety alerts us but can also confuse us if we don't learn to manage it.

Learning to listen to our bodies, recognize our emotions, and trust our experience can make a huge difference in the quality of our decisions and, consequently, our well-being.

BB