The Difference Between Anxiety And Intuition
One of the questions that frequently arises in therapy is: “How can I know the difference between intuition and anxiety?” Although all of us are born with our very own internal compass, many of us grew up discouraged to trust our natural curiosity and gut feelings. We learned we needed to act in ways that give us approval and are considered “appropriate,” even when it meant overriding what felt right to us. Over time, we may start relying on our intellect to figure things out or we may start looking at others for guidance, believing that they have our answers. Because of this, distinguishing between intuition and anxiety might be challenging at first, but like anything else, with practice, this becomes easier and more intuitive. What makes it difficult to know the difference between anxiety and intuition are similarities in:
Emotional Intensity: Both anxiety and intuition can evoke powerful feelings, often accompanied by physical sensations like a racing heart or butterflies in the stomach.
Uncertainty: Both can arise from a sense of uncertainty or ambiguity.
Gut Feelings: Intuition is often described as a gut feeling, and anxiety can also manifest as a strong gut reaction.
So Then, How To Tell The Difference?
You can start an intentional practice of turning inward by paying attention to the following:
Nature of the Feeling:
- Intuition: Often feels calm and clear, even if it suggests a course of action that is unexpected or challenging. It tends to be a quieter, more subtle sense of knowing. Typically involves a sense of deeper guidance without a clear reason.
- Anxiety: Feels overwhelming, urgent, and persistent. It often comes with physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or shortness of breath. Often focuses on negative outcomes or threats. It might involve fear, worry, or dread.
Source and Focus:
- Intuition: Typically arises without a specific trigger and is more focused on the present moment. May appear unexpectedly, in moments of quietness. May be rooted in unconscious knowledge, past experiences, or a deeper connection to oneself or the world.
- Anxiety: Often triggered by specific thoughts, worries, or past experiences and is more generalized, jumping from one worry to another. Can stem from past experiences, learned behaviors, perceived threats, and societal (or familial) conditioning.
Emotional Response:
- Intuition: Leads to a feeling of certainty and can bring a sense of peace, clarity, even if it’s urging you to do something difficult. Often involves a sense of quiet confidence, calmness, relief, and stillness.
- Anxiety: Causes doubt, fear, and a sense of being stuck or unable to make decisions. Often involves doubt and uncertainty.
Duration:
- Intuition: Can be a fleeting thought or a persistent, but gentle nudge.
-Anxiety: Is often prolonged and can lead to rumination and constant worry.
Impact on Decision-Making:
- Intuition: Guides you toward a specific action or decision, often with a sense of purpose. Intuition is very individual and specific, and it may suggest an unconventional, but empowering course of action that feels aligned with a deeper sense of values and authenticity.
- Anxiety: Paralyzes decision-making and can lead to avoidance or indecision. It often doesn’t lead to resolution and clarity, but to more of “what if” scenarios. It provides quick fixes that might bring temporary relief and sense of control, but not a true alignment with one’s values.
If this topic resonates with you and you’d like more practice, check out my blog post: “Trusting Your Intuition” Journaling Exercise.
Remember that these practices are not one and done. When practiced regularly, they lead to more connection, deeper self-trust, and presence. If you struggling with these exercises, therapy can help. Similarly, therapy provides a space to self-reflect, inquire into your internal world, and practice attunement and self-trust.