I’m Feeling Anxious — What Can I Do Right Now?
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or constantly on edge, you’re not alone. Anxiety affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths. It can show up suddenly or linger quietly in the background of everyday life. And for many people, it feels exhausting to carry.
Before anything else, it’s important to say this clearly: feeling anxious does not mean you are weak, broken, or failing. It means you are human.
The Bible is surprisingly honest about this. Scripture is filled with people who felt fear, distress, panic, and uncertainty—and God met them there.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 (NRSV)
If you’re asking, “What can I do right now?” here are some practical steps you can take.
What Is Anxiety, Really?
Anxiety is more than just worrying too much. It often affects both the body and the mind.
You might experience:
Racing thoughts or constant “what-ifs”
Tightness in your chest or stomach
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Feeling irritable, restless, or overwhelmed
A sense of dread that doesn’t seem to go away
Anxiety is not a spiritual failure and it’s not a lack of faith. Many faithful people in Scripture wrestled deeply with fear and distress.
Five Things You Can Do Right Now
These are not magic fixes—but they can help calm your nervous system and give you a little space to breathe.
1. Slow Your Body Before You Try to Fix Your Thoughts
When anxiety spikes, your body is often in “fight or flight” mode. Start there.
Try this grounding exercise:
Name 5 things you can see
4 things you can feel
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
This helps bring your body back into the present moment.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Take a few moments to practice being still.
2. Breathe Slowly and Intentionally
Slow breathing can help signal safety to your body.
Try breathing in for 4 seconds, and out for 6 seconds. Do this for one or two minutes. You don’t have to say anything fancy to God while you breathe. Sometimes prayer is simply being present.
3. Name What You’re Feeling
Anxiety often grows when everything feels tangled together.
Try finishing this sentence: “I feel anxious because…”
Naming the feeling doesn’t make it stronger—it makes it clearer.
4. Reduce What You’re Taking In
When anxiety is high, limit:
News consumption
Social media scrolling
Excess caffeine or alcohol
Your mind needs margin, not more noise.
5. Reach Out to a Real Person
Anxiety thrives in isolation. Even a short conversation can help interrupt the spiral.
That might be:
A trusted friend or family member
A counselor or mental health professional
A pastor or faith leader
A crisis support line
“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up the other.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
When Anxiety Feels Like Too Much
If anxiety is persistent, overwhelming, or interfering with daily life, it’s important to seek additional support. Counseling, therapy, and medication can be life-giving tools. They are not signs of failure—they are signs of wisdom.
If anxiety ever includes thoughts of harming yourself or feeling like you don’t want to be here anymore, please seek immediate help.
You deserve care and support.
A Word of Hope from Scripture
Jesus never minimized pain or rushed people toward easy answers. Instead, He offered presence, rest, and gentleness.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
God does not shame you for your anxiety. He meets you in it.
Local & Immediate Support (Snohomish County)
If you are in crisis or need immediate support:
Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Dial 911 if you are in immediate danger
Call 211 for local mental health and community resources in Snohomish County
You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone
If you would like someone to pray with you, talk with you, or help you take the next step toward support, our pastors and church community are here. Click here to fill out a contact form and one of our pastors will reach out to you as soon as they get it.
We believe God often works through people walking together—and we would be honored to walk with you.
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
The peace of Christ be with you today, tomorrow, and always.