11 Quotes You Should Read When You Are Anxious
If anxiety is a familiar companion to you, then you know how empty common advice like “calm down” or “don’t worry too much” can feel. Sometimes, it seems that these simple pieces of advice don’t understand what we are truly going through and don’t bring the relief we seek. That’s why I decided to gather some quotes written by people who have also felt the burden of anxiety. These “anxiety relief quotes” are here to comfort and encourage you. I hope that these words will offer you support in difficult moments and help you find moments of peace when you need them the most.
11 Anxiety Relief Quotes
1. “Your heart is much stronger than you think.”
— Neale Donald Walsch
We often don’t appreciate our own inner strength enough when anxiety overwhelms us. When we find ourselves in difficult moments, it can feel like our world is flooded with dark clouds that let no light through. But it is precisely in this moment that it is crucial to remember that our heart is stronger than we think.
Just think about all the challenges you have already faced in the past—those moments when you thought you couldn’t make it, but you still managed to rise above. Trust in your ability to cope with the current burden. Your inner strength can be your greatest ally when you find yourself in trouble. Your heart already has everything it needs to overcome the current challenges.
2. “The best way out is always through.”
— Robert Frost
This anxiety relief quote reminds us of the truth that when facing challenges, the best way forward is often a direct confrontation with them, rather than trying to run away and deny the problems. When anxiety overwhelms us, it is natural to want to escape and hide from these feelings. However, it is precisely facing them that can lead to real progress.
When we decide to accept our anxiety instead of ignoring it, we discover our strength and understanding. This means allowing ourselves to feel and experience what burdens us at that moment.
3. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”
— Henry Ford
Life presents us with impossible challenges, but these very difficulties can become our greatest allies on the path to success. When we find ourselves in a difficult situation, we often feel like everything is conspiring against us—feelings of anxiety, stress, and trials can silently suffocate us.
But Henry Ford teaches us an important lesson: just as an airplane takes off against the wind, which allows it to rise and fly higher, so too can we find strength and growth in the difficulties we face. When we decide to go against the wind instead of giving in to it, we discover our true power and ability to overcome obstacles. With this realization, we can trust that every challenge can lead us to greater inner strength and wisdom.
4. “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
— Mark Twain
Mark Twain offers us a simple yet powerful reminder with this quote that we often spend too much time worrying about things that never happen. How many times do you find yourself imagining incredible scenarios and events that never come to pass? When we are too preoccupied with the future and its possible scenarios, we somehow cause ourselves unnecessary suffering.
Twain’s thought teaches us that it is sometimes better to accept life as it is and focus on the present moment, rather than wasting energy on unrealistic fears. Realizing that most of our worries are not real can help us manage stress more easily and seek ways for a more peaceful and content life.
5. “Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.”
— Henry Ward Beecher
This anxiety relief quote reminds us that every morning we have the choice of how we start our day. Imagine that each new day is like a door that we can open to two different worlds. One door is the option to focus on our fears and worries, leading us into a vicious cycle of anxiety.
On the other hand, we have another door, where we choose the path of faith. This means deciding to trust in ourselves, our abilities, and that we can overcome the challenges the day brings. By choosing faith, we can start the day with openness and optimism, which can help us focus on opportunities rather than problems.
6. “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.”
— Dan Millman
Dan Millman offers an important insight into our relationship with thoughts with this quote. We often find ourselves in situations where constant rumination and worries overwhelm us. We think about the past, fear the future, and let our thoughts drive our emotional responses. Dan encourages us to change this pattern and recognize that we don’t need to control our thoughts; we simply need to stop letting them control us.
Consciously decide not to get pulled into negative spirals but instead find a way to calm down and focus on the moment you are in. Millman’s thought reminds us that there is power in not becoming victims of our thoughts, but recognizing when it is time to redirect them or let them pass.
7. “Do not fight with your negative emotions. Observe them and befriend them.”
— Haemin Sunim
Haemin Sunim teaches us an important lesson about dealing with negative emotions with this anxiety relief quote. When faced with feelings of anger, sadness, or anxiety, our first instinct is often to fight them or try to suppress them. However, this approach often leads to greater inner tension and frustration. Instead, Sunim advises us not to fear our negative emotions but to simply observe and accept them.
Think about the times you fought with your emotions, for example, when you tried to hide your anger or ignore your sadness. Sunim tells us that with simple steps like observing and accepting these feelings, we can create a more peaceful and accepting relationship with ourselves.
When we allow ourselves to feel and understand our emotions instead of suppressing them, we may find that they become less frightening and more manageable. Observing negative emotions enables us to learn more about ourselves and how to befriend them.
8. “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
— Joseph Campbell
Joseph Campbell, with this anxiety relief quote, encourages us to open ourselves to change and the unknown that life can bring. Sometimes we cling so tightly to our plans and expectations that we forget to listen to what truly brings us happiness and fulfillment. We all have a certain need for control and caution, but this can hinder us from embracing the path that is actually being offered to us.
You might have had moments when you had precise plans for your future, only for things to develop completely differently. You might have encountered opportunities that didn’t fit your original plans but still brought you something valuable. Campbell’s thought reminds us that sometimes we must be willing to let go of our ideas of how life should look to embrace what brings us joy and growth.
9. “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”
— Brené Brown
Brené Brown offers a simple yet profoundly important lesson with this anxiety relief quote about how we treat ourselves. Many of us often treat ourselves critically and harshly, especially when we encounter problems and mistakes. Sometimes we forget that we should treat ourselves with the same love and compassion that we would extend to someone we deeply love.
How do you talk to a person who is very important to you? And how do you support them when they are in trouble? Brené Brown invites us to transfer this same approach to the way we talk to ourselves. When you find yourself in moments of uncertainty or self-criticism, try to redirect your inner dialogue to one filled with understanding and kindness.
10. “Life is ten percent what you experience and ninety percent how you respond to it.”
— Dorothy M. Neddermeyer
This quote by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer reminds us of the power we have in shaping our lives. Many people think that circumstances determine the quality of our lives, but the truth is that our response to these circumstances plays a much bigger role. When we face challenges, difficulties, or unexpected changes, we are often overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. However, Neddermeyer emphasizes that our response to these events is crucial.
Just think about how you often react to unexpected obstacles and difficulties. Do you give in to negative emotions, or do you find the strength and wisdom to face the challenge in a positive way? Neddermeyer’s thought helps us understand that we always have the ability to influence how we experience life. By choosing a positive response and seeking lessons in everyday challenges, we can change how we perceive our lives.
11. “Rule number one is, don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule number two is, it’s all small stuff.”
— Robert Eliot
Robert Eliot offers a simple yet incredibly useful life philosophy with this quote: we often focus too much on the little problems that drain our energy and peace. Eliot reminds us not to worry too much about the small things, as it is often these tiny issues that cause us the most stress and worry. When we get too caught up in the small problems, we can quickly lose perspective and forget what is truly important.
Think about those days when you were upset if your meals were a bit late, or you missed a few minor tasks. How many times have you then focused too much on these small things while neglecting the larger and more important aspects of your life?
