9 signs anxiety is holding you back from living your best life

Anxiety is like an unwanted gatecrasher, barging in unannounced and taking over your life whenever it wants.

I used to think my constant worry and overthinking were just part of who I was—a small price to pay for being detail-oriented and prepared.

But over time, I started to notice how these anxious habits were quietly stopping me from taking risks, pursuing opportunities, and fully enjoying the present.

If you also struggle with anxiety, you may be wondering, how do you know when anxiety is holding you back?

It wasn’t until I took a step back and really examined my anxiety that I realized how much it was impacting my ability to live my best life.

In this article, I’ll share nine signs that anxiety might be doing the same to you—and what you can do to start breaking free.

1) Constant overthinking

We all have moments of overthinking, but with anxiety, it’s like having a hamster on a wheel in your head. It just keeps going and going.

According to psychology, overthinking every decision, from what to wear in the morning to what to say in a meeting, can be a clear sign that anxiety is taking over.

It can stop you from taking action because you’re too busy worrying about all the ‘what ifs’.

You see, when anxiety has the reins, it can turn even the simplest decisions into mental marathons. And ultimately, this can hold you back from jumping on opportunities that could lead to living your best life.

2) Avoiding social events

I remember when my friend invited me to her birthday party. I was excited at first, but as the day approached, my anxiety started to kick in.

Thoughts like “What if I say something stupid?” or “What if no one talks to me?” started to flood my mind.

Eventually, I ended up making an excuse to not go. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to celebrate with her; it was just that my anxiety made the idea of a social gathering feel overwhelming.

This is a common sign of anxiety holding you back.

You might find yourself avoiding social events or situations because they trigger feelings of unease and discomfort.

Unfortunately, this can lead to missed experiences and a shrinking social circle, which are certainly not ingredients for living your best life.

If you can relate to this, it might be a sign that your anxiety is holding you back more than you realize.

3) Difficulty sleeping

When you lay your head down at night, your mind should be winding down.

But for many people with anxiety, it’s like a switch has been flipped on, and a barrage of thoughts starts racing through their minds.

In fact, insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns are common among those suffering from anxiety disorders. It’s a bit of a vicious cycle – anxiety can cause sleep problems, and lack of sleep can increase anxiety levels.

So if you’re spending more nights tossing and turning than getting restful sleep, it could be another sign that anxiety is playing too big a role in your life.

Good sleep is crucial for health and happiness, so don’t let anxiety rob you of it.

4) Physical symptoms

It’s not just your mind that anxiety can impact; it can manifest physically too. Common symptoms include:

• A racing heart
• Sweaty palms
• A knot in your stomach
• Feeling faint

I’ve had times when I wasn’t even consciously aware I was anxious until I noticed the physical signs. Suddenly, I’d realize my heart was pounding, or I’d feel unusually fatigued.

These physical symptoms can be debilitating and can interfere with your daily life.

If you’re continually feeling physically unwell without any apparent reason, it might be time to consider if anxiety is the underlying cause. 

5) Procrastination

Believe me, I get it. Sometimes, the thought of starting a big project or tackling a challenging task can be daunting.

But if you’re continually putting things off because of an underlying sense of fear or worry, that’s when procrastination becomes a symptom of anxiety.

Anxiety can make us fear the outcome of our actions, which leads to avoidance and procrastination. It’s like a protective mechanism, but in reality, it’s just holding us back.

If you notice that your to-do list is growing while you’re stuck in a cycle of avoidance, it could be a sign that anxiety is preventing you from reaching your goals. 

6) Fear of failure

Fear of failure can be paralyzing. It’s like a heavy weight on your shoulders, preventing you from taking risks or trying new things because the thought of not succeeding is too much to bear.

Anxiety fuels this fear, making us believe that failure is not just a possibility, but a certainty. It whispers in our ear, telling us we’re not good enough or that we don’t have what it takes.

But let me tell you this: Failure is not the end of the world. It’s a stepping stone, a learning experience.

Don’t let the fear of failure, instigated by anxiety, hold you back from taking chances and truly living your best life. You are stronger and more capable than you know.

7) Difficulty in making decisions

I’ve stood in front of the cereal aisle in the grocery store for what felt like hours, unable to pick a box.

Should I go for the healthier option? But what if I don’t like it? Maybe I should stick to what I know. But isn’t variety the spice of life?

It may seem trivial, but this indecisiveness is another way anxiety shows up. It fills our heads with ‘what ifs’ and worst-case scenarios, making even the simplest decisions feel like monumental tasks.

This constant second-guessing can make you feel stuck and prevent you from moving forward.

If you find yourself grappling with decision-making, it might be your anxiety trying to take control. Don’t let it. Your best life is waiting, and it doesn’t have time for indecision.

8) Constantly seeking reassurance

Anxiety can make you doubt yourself and your abilities.

This can lead to a constant need for reassurance from others that you’re doing okay, that your decisions are right, or that everything is going to be okay.

While it’s perfectly normal to seek advice or validation from time to time, relying on others for constant reassurance can be a sign of anxiety. It’s like you’re seeking an external safety net because your internal one feels shaky.

If you find that you’re continually seeking approval or validation from others, it might be a sign that anxiety is playing too big a role in your life.

It’s your life, and you have the power to live it on your terms. So trust in your abilities and decisions.

9) You’re not enjoying life

At the end of the day, the most telling sign that anxiety is holding you back is if you’re not enjoying life.

We all have ups and downs, but if you’re constantly feeling stressed, worried, or unhappy, it’s time to address your anxiety.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, filled with moments of joy, love, and fulfillment. Don’t let anxiety steal these moments from you.

Seek help if you need to, and remember, it’s okay to prioritize your mental health. After all, living your best life starts with feeling your best inside.

Final thoughts: Remember, it’s okay to seek help

Recognizing how anxiety is holding you back is the first step toward reclaiming your life.

These nine signs are reminders that you deserve to live fully, without being weighed down by constant worry and self-doubt.

By addressing these habits, you can start to overcome anxiety’s grip and move toward a life that feels more free, fulfilling, and true to who you are.