9 CBT Skills to Stop Anxiety in its Tracks 

Anxiety can be a crippling emotion that can make everyday tasks seem like insurmountable challenges. It can manifest in physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling, as well as mental symptoms like racing thoughts, excessive worry, and a general sense of dread[1]. However, there is hope in the form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a highly effective form of therapy that can help you manage and overcome anxiety. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore nine powerful CBT skills that you can use to stop anxiety in its tracks. These skills are designed to help you challenge negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and regain control over your life. So, let’s dive in! 

1-Cognitive Restructuring 

Cognitive restructuring is one of the core techniques of CBT, and it involves identifying and challenging irrational or negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety[1][2][3]. This skill teaches you to recognize and replace distorted thinking patterns with more realistic and positive ones. 

Here’s how it works[2][3]: 

1. Identify the Automatic Thought: When you feel anxious, take a moment to pinpoint the specific thought or belief that is fueling your anxiety. For example, “I won’t be able to handle this situation.” 
2. Evaluate the Evidence: Once you’ve identified the automatic thought, ask yourself if there is any concrete evidence to support or refute it. Often, our anxious thoughts are based on assumptions or worst-case scenarios rather than facts. 
3. Generate Alternative Thoughts: After evaluating the evidence, come up with more balanced and realistic thoughts to replace the irrational ones. For example, “I’ve handled similar situations before, and I can get through this too.” 

By practicing cognitive restructuring regularly, you can train your mind to challenge anxious thoughts and replace them with more positive and rational perspectives. 

2-Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques 

Mindfulness and grounding techniques are powerful tools for managing anxiety in the moment. These skills help you stay present and focused, reducing the impact of anxious thoughts and physical symptoms. 

Mindfulness[4]

Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can be practiced through various exercises, such as: 

• Breath Awareness: Focus your attention on your breathing, noticing the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. 
• Body Scan: Systematically bring your awareness to different parts of your body, noticing any sensations or tension. 
• Mindful Movement: Engage in activities like yoga or tai chi, where you can connect your mind and body through movement. 

Grounding Techniques[4] 

Grounding techniques help anchor you to the present moment by engaging your senses. Some effective grounding exercises include: 

• 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. 
• Splash Cold Water on Your Face: The sensation of cold water can be a powerful grounding tool. 
• Hold a Comforting Object: Choose an object with a texture or scent that brings you a sense of calm and focus on its physical properties. 

By incorporating mindfulness and grounding techniques into your daily routine, you can cultivate a greater sense of presence and control over anxious thoughts and feelings. 

3-Progressive Muscle Relaxation 

Progressive muscle relaxation is a simple yet effective technique for reducing physical tension and promoting relaxation[5]. It involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups throughout the body. 

Here’s how to practice progressive muscle relaxation[5]: 

1. Find a Quiet Place: Choose a comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Start with Your Feet: Tense the muscles in your feet by curling your toes inward. Hold the tension for 5-10 seconds, then release and relax for 10-20 seconds. 
3. Move Up Your Body: Repeat the process of tensing and relaxing with your calves, thighs, abdomen, chest, arms, shoulders, and facial muscles. 
4. Breathe Deeply: As you relax each muscle group, take a few deep breaths to further enhance the sense of relaxation. 

Progressive muscle relaxation can help you identify and release areas of physical tension that often accompany anxiety. By making it a regular practice, you can train your body to enter a more relaxed state, reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety.

4-Exposure Therapy 

Exposure therapy is a highly effective CBT technique for addressing specific anxieties or phobias[6]. It involves gradually and systematically exposing yourself to the feared situation or object in a controlled and safe environment. 

Here’s how exposure therapy works[6]: 

1. Create a Fear Hierarchy: Make a list of situations or objects that trigger your anxiety, ranging from least to most distressing. 
2. Start Small: Begin with the least anxiety-provoking item on your list and expose yourself to it for a prolonged period until your anxiety level decreases. 
3. Gradually Increase Exposure: Once you’ve mastered the first item, move on to the next most challenging situation or object on your list, repeating the process of prolonged exposure until your anxiety subsides. 
4. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to the success of exposure therapy. Repeat the exercises regularly to reinforce the learning process and solidify your progress. 

Exposure therapy can be challenging, but it is a highly effective way to desensitize yourself to the sources of your anxiety. By facing your fears in a controlled and supportive environment, you can retrain your brain to respond more adaptively to previously anxiety-provoking situations. 

5-Behavioral Activation 

Behavioral activation is a CBT technique that focuses on increasing engagement in positive, rewarding activities to improve mood and reduce anxiety[7]. When we’re anxious, we often withdraw from activities we enjoy, which can lead to a cycle of avoidance and reinforcement of anxious thoughts and feelings. 

Here’s how to practice behavioral activation[7]: 

1. Identify Values and Goals: Reflect on your core values and what brings you a sense of meaning and fulfillment in life. 
2. Make a List of Activities: Based on your values and goals, create a list of activities that align with them. These can be small, simple tasks or larger, more ambitious goals. 
3. Schedule and Follow Through: Incorporate these activities into your daily or weekly routine, and make a commitment to follow through with them. 
4. Monitor Your Mood: Keep track of how you feel before and after engaging in these activities. You may notice a gradual improvement in your mood and a reduction in anxiety levels.

Behavioral activation can help break the cycle of avoidance and inactivity that often accompanies anxiety. By engaging in meaningful and rewarding activities, you can cultivate a greater sense of purpose, accomplishment, and overall well-being.

6-Assertiveness Training 

Assertiveness is the ability to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a direct and respectful manner[8]. Many individuals with anxiety struggle with assertiveness, often defaulting to passive or aggressive communication styles, which can perpetuate anxiety and interpersonal difficulties. 

Assertiveness training teaches you how to[8]: 

• Clearly Express Your Needs: Learn to communicate your wants, opinions, and boundaries in a clear and assertive manner. 
• Say “No” When Necessary: Practice politely declining requests or situations that make you uncomfortable or cause undue stress. 
• Give and Receive Compliments: Develop the ability to gracefully accept compliments and provide positive feedback to others. 
• Ask for What You Want: Feel comfortable making requests and advocating for your needs without feeling guilty or anxious. 

By developing assertiveness skills, you can reduce the anxiety associated with interpersonal interactions and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships. 

7-Time Management and Planning 

Poor time management and a lack of planning can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety[9]. CBT emphasizes the importance of developing effective time management and planning skills to regain a sense of control and reduce stress. 

Here are some strategies to improve your time management and planning abilities[9]: 

• Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important and urgent tasks, and focus your energy on completing them first. 
• Use a Calendar or Planner: Maintain a centralized system for tracking appointments, deadlines, and upcoming events. 
• Break Down Large Tasks: Divide overwhelming projects into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. 
• Schedule Breaks and Self-Care: Incorporate regular breaks and self-care activities into your schedule to prevent burnout and excessive stress. 
• Learn to Say No: Practice setting boundaries and respectfully declining commitments that may overextend you.

By implementing effective time management and planning strategies, you can reduce the chaos and uncertainty that often fuel anxiety. This skill can help you feel more in control and better equipped to handle life’s demands. 

8-Thought-Stopping Technique 

The thought-stopping technique is a simple but powerful CBT skill that can help you interrupt and redirect anxious or intrusive thoughts[10]. It involves actively disrupting the thought pattern and redirecting your attention to something more positive or neutral. 

Here’s how to practice the thought-stopping technique[10]: 

1. Recognize the Anxious Thought: When you notice an anxious or intrusive thought entering your mind, acknowledge it without judgment. 
2. Stop the Thought: Firmly and assertively say “Stop!” either aloud or silently to yourself. 
3. Redirect Your Attention: Immediately shift your focus to something else, such as a calming visual image, a positive affirmation, or an engaging activity. 
4. Practice Regularly: The more you practice this technique, the more effective it will become in interrupting and redirecting anxious thought patterns. 

The thought-stopping technique can be a useful tool for regaining control over your thought processes and preventing anxious thoughts from spiraling out of control. It can be especially helpful in moments of heightened anxiety or during panic attacks. 

9-Supportive Self-Talk 

Negative self-talk is a common phenomenon among individuals with anxiety, and it can exacerbate anxious thoughts and feelings[11]. CBT emphasizes the importance of cultivating a more positive and compassionate inner dialogue to counteract anxiety. 

Here are some strategies for developing supportive self-talk[11]: 

• Identify Critical Self-Statements: Pay attention to the negative self-talk that arises during moments of anxiety. Examples might include “I can’t handle this” or “I’m a failure.” 
• Challenge the Critical Statements: Objectively evaluate the accuracy and helpfulness of these self-critical statements. Are they based on facts or assumptions? Are they productive or do they perpetuate anxiety? 
• Replace with Positive Affirmations: Once you’ve identified and challenged the negative self-talk, replace it with more positive, encouraging, and realistic statements. For example, “I can get through this one step at a time” or “I’ve overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.” 
• Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a loved one. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel anxious at times and that you’re doing your best to cope.

By cultivating a more positive and supportive inner dialogue, you can counteract the negative self-talk that often accompanies anxiety. This skill can enhance your resilience and help you approach challenging situations with greater confidence and self-compassion. 

Conclusion 

Anxiety can be a formidable adversary, but by incorporating these nine CBT skills into your daily life, you can take back control and learn to manage your anxiety more effectively. 

Remember, change takes time and consistent practice, but with dedication and patience, you can develop the tools to stop anxiety in its tracks. 

Whether you’re working with a therapist or practicing these skills on your own, always be gentle and compassionate with yourself. Celebrate small victories and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. 

Anxiety is a journey, and by applying these CBT techniques, you’re taking important steps towards a more peaceful and fulfilling life. 

References: 

[1] Curtiss, Joshua E et al. “Cognitive-Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety and Stress-Related Disorders.” Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing) vol. 19,2 (2021): 184-189. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20200045 

[2] “Examples of Cognitive Restructuring – Concordia University.” Concordia.ca, 4 Mar. 2020, www.concordia.ca/cunews/offices/provost/health/topics/stress-management/cognitive-restructuri ng-examples.html. 

[3] Clark, David A. Cognitive Restructuring. Sept. 2013, pp. 1–22, 

https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118528563.wbcbt02.

[4] Cayoun, Bruno A. Mindfulness-integrated CBT: Principles and practice. John Wiley & Sons, 2011. 

[5] Toussaint, Loren et al. “Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Deep Breathing, and Guided Imagery in Promoting Psychological and Physiological States of Relaxation.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2021 5924040. 2 Jul. 2021, doi:10.1155/2021/5924040 

[6] Foa, Edna B., Barbara O. Rothbaum, and Jami M. Furr. “Augmenting exposure therapy with other CBT procedures.” Psychiatric Annals 33.1 (2003): 47-53.

[7] Sturmey, Peter. “Behavioral activation is an evidence-based treatment for depression.” Behavior modification 33.6 (2009): 818-829. 

[8] Speed, Brittany C., Brandon L. Goldstein, and Marvin R. Goldfried. “Assertiveness training: A forgotten evidence‐based treatment.” Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice 25.1 (2018): e12216. 

[9] Wang, Ping, and Xiaochun Wang. “Effect of Time Management Training on Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Quality.” Iranian journal of public health vol. 47,12 (2018): 1822-1831. 

[10] Sinha, Ankit, and Subho Chakrabarti. “The Combination of Thought-Stopping And Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Predominant Obsessions: A Case Report.” Cureus vol. 14,9 e29226. 16 Sep. 2022, doi:10.7759/cureus.29226 

[11] Tod, David, James Hardy, and Emily Oliver. “Effects of self-talk: A systematic review.” Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology 33.5 (2011): 666-687.