Anxiety in the Workplace

Have you ever felt the weight of anxiety in your workday, wondering if it’s just you? Maybe it shows up as sweaty palms before a big presentation or a tightness in your chest when facing deadlines. 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Anxiety has a way of sneaking into our professional lives, impacting how we show up and connect with others.

Years ago, I found myself leading a team while silently battling a constant hum of anxiety. On the outside, I was composed, hitting deadlines and checking boxes. 

Inside, though, was a different story. The fear of failure was paralyzing, and the pressure to be perfect felt suffocating. I didn’t know how to name what I was experiencing, let alone how to address it. It wasn’t until I started diving into the neuroscience of emotions and behavior that I began to see a way through.

Anxiety doesn’t just live in our heads; it shows up in our interactions, our productivity, and even the trust within our teams. It’s often an unspoken presence in the workplace, yet its impact can be profound. Anxiety can lead to missed opportunities, strained relationships, and burnout if left unchecked. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay that way.

One of the most transformative insights I’ve discovered comes from understanding our core capacities. These capacities—Connection, Definition, Integration, and Collaboration—serve as the foundation for how we navigate challenges. For example, strengthening your capacity for Connection can help you build trust and communicate openly, even in high-pressure situations. Similarly, a well-defined sense of self (Definition) allows you to set boundaries and manage expectations, reducing the overwhelm that often fuels anxiety.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to take a step toward transformation. Next Tuesday (January 28) is the Wichita Independent Business Association’s Health and Wellness Expo. I’ll be sharing more about these tools and how leaders can turn anxiety into a catalyst for growth. You’ll walk away with practical strategies grounded in neuroscience to help yourself and your teams thrive. Come see me any time between 8:00-11:00 am at the Ruffin Building. 9111 E. Douglas Ave in Wichita.

Anxiety doesn’t have to define your workday. With the right tools and a little curiosity, it can become an opportunity for deeper connection and meaningful change. I hope to see you there.