What Should I Do When I Feel This Bad?

Feeling anxious is overwhelming. One of the most common questions I get asked is: “What do I do when I feel this bad?”

It’s natural to want to fix things, to search for a solution to escape those uncomfortable feelings, especially anxiety. For years, I was trapped in that cycle - constantly looking for a way out of my anxious feelings.

It felt never ending and officially became my least favourite feeling, and I wanted nothing more than to get rid of it.

But what if the answer isn't about doing anything at all?

The Surprising Answer to Overcoming Anxiety: Nothing!

This morning, I felt a bit unsettled and needed a reminder of what I should do when anxiety hits. The answer is simple: Nothing.

I know this can feel frustrating, especially when everything in you wants to do something to escape the discomfort. But the truth is, doing something often creates resistance. When we resist our feelings, we make things worse.

Instead, there's something profound about simply being present and accepting where we are in the moment.

As Sydney Banks, the man behind The Three Principles, once said:

“Keep it simple. Go within. It’s a feeling. Give it away.”

What Does It Mean to “Go Within”?

Sydney Banks' quote emphasises the importance of recognising that everything we experience comes from within us. All peace of mind and calm resides inside of us, not outside. When anxiety strikes, instead of searching for answers externally, we should turn inward.

So, how do you “go within”? It’s about finding that quiet, peaceful space inside you - a space where there’s no judgment, only contentment. In this place, you can feel love, or whatever calming feeling resonates with you, and then share that feeling with others.

Why Should We Share Our Inner Peace?

You might wonder, why give this feeling of love or peace away? The reason is simple: it’s limitless.

Imagine a world where we consistently operate from a place of love and compassion. When we spread these feelings to those around us, anxiety diminishes. It's impossible to feel deep love and anxiety simultaneously. This is the power of The Three Principles - the understanding that peace comes from within, not from external circumstances.

The Common Misunderstanding About Anxiety

Many people misunderstand anxiety, and this misunderstanding perpetuates the suffering. I recently saw a journalist asking for stories about “second-hand anxiety,” implying that other people’s actions or situations could cause anxiety.

This way of thinking keeps people stuck in anxiety because it suggests that outside circumstances are to blame. However, this is disempowering and not how anxiety works.

Our feelings always come from within us - not from someone else’s behaviour or situation. By looking outside of ourselves for relief, we stay stuck in anxiety.

The Challenge: Go Within and See What Happens

I challenge you to try something different. For one day - or even just one hour - focus on going within. Find that inner space of love or calm and then share it with others. Notice what happens when you do.

I’d love to hear about your experience. Whether you find it helpful, challenging, or confusing, feel free to share what comes up for you.

How The Three Principles Changed My Life

Sydney Banks and The Three Principles have completely transformed my life. The simplicity of his teachings has helped not only me but thousands of others to overcome anxiety and live with more peace and calm.

Inside my membership community, we’ve been watching and discussing videos of Sydney Banks together, reflecting on the wisdom in his words. Our next session is in November, and I invite you to join us if you’d like to explore The Three Principles in a supportive group setting.