Breaking the Anxious Loop: How Mums Can Manage Anxiety & Reclaim Calm
Hi Mobsters, it’s Leah here from the House of Hormones. In today’s weekly wellbeing blog I am talking about anxiety and steps to break free from it. As always, please share feedback, questions and thoughts in the comments box for you, i’d love to hear from you!
Stuck in an Anxious Loop?!
Anxiety has a sneaky way of making us feel like we are trapped in a washing machine on an endless spin cycle, thoughts swirling, heart racing, and no idea how to hit the stop button. Whether it is overthinking a conversation from three days ago, feeling overwhelmed by a never ending to do list, or lying awake at 3 AM with a racing mind, we have all been there.
The problem? Anxiety feeds on itself. The more we worry, the more our brains reinforce the pattern, keeping us stuck in what I like to call The Anxious Loop a relentless cycle of fear, stress, and what ifs. So, how do we break free?
Step 1: Recognise the Loop
First, you need to notice that you are in the cycle. Anxiety loves to disguise itself as productivity or rational thinking, but if you find yourself overanalysing, predicting disaster, or running the same worries on repeat, that is your sign. Awareness is key!
Step 2: Interrupt the Pattern
Anxiety thrives on familiarity. Breaking the loop means doing something different. Try:
Moving your body A quick walk, some stretches, or even shaking it out to your favourite song disrupts the cycle
Cold exposure Splashing your face with cold water or holding an ice cube can jolt your nervous system out of panic mode
The 5 4 3 2 1 grounding technique Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. It brings you back to the present moment. Seriously, try it.
Step 3: Challenge the Thought Spiral
Anxious thoughts feel real, but that does not mean they are true. Ask yourself:
Is this a fact or a fear?
Has this worry ever actually come true before?
If a friend told me this, what advice would I give them?
Most of the time, anxiety is just our brain running worst case scenarios on autopilot.
Step 4: Balance Your Hormones
Hormones and anxiety are besties in the worst way. If you are dealing with stress, PMS, perimenopause, or post menopause, your hormone levels could be adding fuel to the fire. Supporting your body with:
Magnesium and B vitamins for nervous system support
Reducing caffeine and sugar (sorry, but they are not your friends in an anxious moment)
Prioritising sleep (yes, even when your brain will not shut up)
Give yourself permission to rest! Let me say it again for the people at the back.... Give yourself PERMISSION to rest! Anxiety tricks us into thinking that if we just think a little harder, we will find the solution. Spoiler: You will not. Overthinking is not problem solving. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step away, breathe, and let your nervous system reset.
You are not broken, you are human! Getting stuck in an anxious loop does not mean there is something wrong with you. It means you have a brain that is trying to keep you safe, it is just a little too enthusiastic. The good news? With awareness, action, and self compassion, you can break the cycle.
So Mobsters, what is your go to anxiety disruptor?
Head to our forum on www.thehouseofhormones.com to continue the conversation with the community!
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