How The Stoics Dealt With Anxiety (10 Strategies)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 มิ.ย. 2024
- How much more enjoyable would your days be without the constant dread of stress looming over you?
Anxiety was one of the main emotions Stoicism was built to handle. In this video best-selling author Ryan Holiday explores 10 of the best time-tested ways that the Stoics dealt with anxiety.
⚔️ Overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Check out the Daily Stoic Slay Your Stress Course: A 13-day challenge designed to reclaim your life from the negative effects of stress and anxiety. Go to dailystoic.com/Stress to sign up.
The pages of Marcus Aurelius’s private journal are filled with notes to himself on how to ‘escape anxiety’. Epictetus says the ‘most important task in life’ was determining what we could control and what we couldn’t, in an effort to ease daily anxieties. Seneca’s letters are constant reminders to not suffer before it is necessary. And not just reminders, but practical, actionable steps to overcoming both.
00:00 Intro
01:39 1. Focus On The Little Things
02:29 2. Practice Gratitude
03:21 3. Have No Opinion
03:55 4. Stop Caring About What People Think
04:23 5. Process Your Emotions
05:39 6. Don’t Suffer Imagined Troubles
06:32 7. Choose Not To Be Harmed
07:19 8. Go For A Walk
08:27 9. Keep A Journal
09:05 10. Grab The Right Handle
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The Strategies:
01:39 1. Focus On The Little Things
02:29 2. Practice Gratitude
03:21 3. Have No Opinion
03:55 4. Stop Caring About What People Think
04:23 5. Process Your Emotions
05:39 6. Don’t Suffer Imagined Troubles
06:32 7. Choose Not To Be Harmed
07:19 8. Go For A Walk
08:27 9. Keep A Journal
09:05 10. Grab The Right Handle
As much as I love and live by #4, that is easier said than done, especially if you have to work for others and meet THEIR expectations and whatnot. You simply cannot neglect to care about what people think then, or at least you have to not show it.
This is why especially for introverts like myself who don't really need much social interaction anyway, it's better to just do your own thing and work for yourself so you always can live up to your own standards and don't worry about anybody else.
Social games are a pain in the ass and the rat race never ever result in anything good. It's an evil vicious cycle. Also being dependent on other people sucks. Life is simply not worth living if you can't stay independent and self-reliant. Oh, and being honest and truthful is much better than being a pathetic people pleaser.
@@True38 agree 100//
@@True38 couldnt say it any better 🙌🏼
Devils advocate: #7 - some things are harmful and cause harm no matter your opinion of it. If you get shot- if you’ve been robbed- abused. Ukraine Is being harmed - it’s just a fact. Thoughts??
Thanks for this! I had watched a few other videos, and I see the redundancies. Shaved about 4 minutes off the viewing experience. Thanks!
“we suffer more in imagination than in reality”….resonates every time!
amen to that
Absolute Truth right
One of the most important Truths. This specific, challenging work sets one free. No medications, no therapists, no money, no societal excuses. Do the work here and you will gain freedom.
So true
100%. 👊
I just had a break up with my long term girlfriend, and just heard from her that she's getting married. I perceived this as a moment of growth , a learning experience, a door for better opportunities. I felt the emotions, I cried, but I choose to use logic and carry on with a positive mindset.
Sorry you are going through this brother, heartbreak is the worst. Sounds like you're on a great path though, I know it will be for the best, best wishes my friend 🖤🖤
I understand your loss, but the bright side here is that you've handled this way better than 98% of the people in this world do.
Carry on man, better things are just around the corner.
You're lucky. No divorce. No alimony. No grape in divorce court...you dodged a bullet my friend. Enjoy your freedom.
That reminds me of starting to communicate again with friends in high school who frankly became horrible people. It's been roughly twenty-five years and they're all well-adjusted now, married happily with fine children and businesses. I'm happy for them. There has to be goodness in life, even if that goodness isn't something I myself possess. It exists close to me and that makes the world provably better in my eyes.
Absolutely beautiful response. You decide who you want to be and you are choosing to be the best man you can be 🖤👍🏽
Anxiety has less to do with outside events and more to do with how we feel inside. Anxiety hits when we feel powerless and unable to deal with things. It's useless to tell an anxious person everything is ok.. The opposite of anxious is not calm, is the feeling of "I can do this". The best way to overcome anxiety is telling yourself or others: "You can do this! You have power and strength within you!"
That’s such a good point
Great advice.
Great advice. I working on my anxiety because it has effected my blood pressure.
I needed to hear this! 👍
100% agree it occurred to me the other day when I’m NOT feeling anxious I’m feeling powerful and it’s such a beautiful feeling
"The best time to do something was back then, but the second best time to do it is right now." Man I love this quote so much
wooooowww man. just wow so deep
The original is a Chinese proverb: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
My mind is always racing, there's so much information out there I think sometimes it's too much to process. Social media doesn't help either. I think keeping life simple is the key, controlling what we can control, not worrying about what's going to happen tomorrow.
I got off social media several years ago. It’s very unhealthy.
All we can do is pray, plan, and prepare. Great words from a Top G.😉
I firmly believe anxiety was a driving force in the development of stoicism. The main proponents were highly intelligent/imaginative with a constant flow of information requiring decisions the would shape or shake their entire civilisation. The curse of a active mind that accompanies its blessing is you can see the dangers that lie ahead sometimes several moves ahead of your present choices. T can easily become crippling and make you envy simpler minds that can only wonder what their dinner will be tonight. Almost the entirety of stoicism is deduced to calming and all the emotions that cloud and confuse the mind into chasing shadows thrown by itself.
Anxiety is often the cause of trauma. The brain go into the " fight, flight, freeze, fawn" mode permanent. "The simpler minds", that you talk about is often just healthy brains with no trauma. They only worry about the things that they can handle. To a person with anxiety they may seem " stupid". But in reality this is what " Zen" is. That is a healthy mind, that is present most of the time in the " now". Not ruminating about the past, or worrying about the future.
Also we are all humans. The past and the future is a part of our minds. But if the mind is constant trying to fix or analyse things mentally in the mind. And not being in the real world. Then this is a sign of " general anxiety" that come from trauma.
Meditation or stoicism is useless if we don`t also understand that all humans have problems. And that the world is constantly changeing. Life is never going to be " perfect long term zen". There is always going to be chaos and change from time to time. But a healthy mind is on the allert when there is real danger. And also preparing for the future. Without being in constant " worry mode".
The healthy mind. Is accepting itself " as it is", and the world " as it is". Without striving for perfection. That is " perfect stoicism" or " perfect zen" don`t exist. And anxiety is a part of life. Don`t be fooled by the people who pretend to never be afraid. And who fake that they are perfectly " self actualized". This is not stoicism or zen. But narcissism. That is they have created a fake " self image" of the emotionless stoic. This is inhuman. And is never going to be healthy over time. Accepting our own " imperfection" is what is real wisdom. And to " handle" the fear in real life with going face to face with it.
Like the child did, jumping without the rope . And like Tyler Durden did. Accepting the pain/discomfort as part of life. Instead of running from it.
@@Ikaros23 Good Comments thanks
Would you accept a broken leg, no you would seek medical help and pain relief. Never accepted metal illness, seek professional help, there is often a physical reason for the illness, that can be successfully treated with medication.
I'm nothing on TH-cam but I'm a mental health professional of 30 years with a focus on trauma/resilience. Ive also lived with anxiety, and Ive found the answer, and it's pushing through. Never feeding the beast but starving it by doing exactly those things and finding joy in them.
Interesting I think I get what you mean but could you give an example pls?
You’re right, but it’s sooo much easier said than done.
@@memento_mori6019 that’s not the point. Nothing good comes easy. You can have peace and be a slave but you can not have liberation and be a slave. Seeking liberation means having to move forward. Never stop moving forward. I’ve already made the decision for you. Now go.
I got for a walk every day, at least 2 miles. It really does help clear the mind.
Walking or running has helped me more than I would've ever thought. Many people underestimate how much it can help clear your mind.
I was walking the other day, and imagined my grandpa, who died nearly 30 years ago, being proud that I don’t have serious hardships. I could hear him telling me the sources of my unhappiness are the easy things. 🙂
MY mind won't stop while I'm walking 8 literally can't keep it quiet.
The most important thing that should be on everyone's mind currently should be to invest in different sources of income that doesn't depend on the government. Especially with the current economic crisis around the word. This is still a good time to invest in various stocks, Gold, silver and digital currencies.
That's so true. but if i may ask, do you trade all by yourself?
Fell deeply into all of this… I even carry a pendant with momento Mori on it, I’ll never stop coming back to this channel. stoicism has helped me immensely! Thank you Ryan ✌🏼
I love your handle. Could it be the coffee that's fueling your anxiety? It's great when you don't have any problems but if you have something on your mind that's causing you grief, coffee is a terrible companion. At least that's my experience.
What ever you’re going through, Im here with you th-cam.com/video/8_BwXnE6fyU/w-d-xo.html 🖤🥲🤘🏽❗️🔥‼️🔥🖤
Your name , got to say great. CoffeeFuelledGenius 👌
@@marknolan2799 Big time! I say only in the morning, if you have to. Also, Green tea has a little less caffeine but has L-theanine in it, which can help you have more calm focus.
Same
"You don't have to have an opinion about that." So obvious, and so deep. That you for sharing this great insight.
I was literally just thinking about this when I looked down at my phone and saw this. Stoicism is an excellent coping mechanism for PTSD, I’ve found.
The hard part is sometimes accepting the transitory nature of everything. But you can’t fight reality. Everything passes. All pain. All pleasure. All you can do is accept it.
Yes sir agreed
'This too shall pass." 🙏
Yup, reality before expectations
What ever you’re going through, Im here with you th-cam.com/video/8_BwXnE6fyU/w-d-xo.html 🖤🥲🤘🏽❗️🔥‼️🔥🖤
well put man 👏
"I don't have to have an opinion about this; I can just let it be, I can ignore it, I can realize it doesn't pertain to me, or I can just see it as it is. I don't need to say that it's good or bad, fair or unfair, it just is. I'm going to look at it as an objective piece of information. It doesn't need me projecting my thoughts or beliefs or perceptions on it; it is. You don't have to have an opinion about this."
whoa I never noticed I've doing this for a long time. thank you, Sir Ryan. 👍👍
I love you dude... Honestly, being a stoic has changed my life... I was lazy and still am but now I actually want to do things... I wanna get healthy, I wanna go out into the world, I wanna learn
Thanks
I once stopped caring what my boss and co-workers thought. I ended up dropping by boundaries [thanks, Autism!] and I lost my job within a matter of days, and became unemployable.
As a result, I still don't care what the average person things, but I am terrified of people who have the power to determine whether or not I can eat tomorrow and what they think.
Yeah, that's actually very normal when an intelligent person drops their boundaries. Sheep can't handle the truth. I think what he means by stop caring what others think, is *inside your mind.* You have to put the boundary/facade/ act up to fool them, and make them feel important - otherwise, they'll destroy you. Maintain a facade that they are important to you, that you respect them, and that they are intelligent. Meanwhile, inside your mind, keep working away towards your goal.
The worst thing we ever suffer from is fear, and the greatest gain you will receive is to be rid of that fear.
It was as if a great mist had suddenly lifted from my mind. I could see so clearly that that panic caused by anxiety wasn't some sort of weakness in me. It was a cyclical self-reinforcing pattern caused by giving anxiety so much power... far from relieving the feeling, was causing it. At the same time, I could see that all these other 'happy' people were
going through the same nightmare that I was, all putting up phoney arguments to try to justify their addiction to anxious thoughts.
IT'S SO NICE TO BE FREE!
I’ve been experiencing really bad anxiety lately.. I got a notification for this video and I’m so glad I clicked on it. Perfect timing. Thank you.
If I can make a recommendation, take a look at Wim Hof's breathing exercises. There's a beginner's version and a 'normal' version here on TH-cam. It really helps with anxiety. If you want to go further you can also try cold showers.
I have been doing a deep-dive into stoicism for the last 18 months and I have realised this year I need to start writing a journal. This is something I've never done before and should have started 15 yrs ago.
I'm watching this while pooping. I remember the "thinking man" statue. I feel so stoic. Have a good day.
"You cannot be happy every moment so do not get upset at the absence of it." Dalai Lama
It's the same with anxiety.
If you think you will go through life without feeling anxiety, uneasiness over life events, you are setting yourself up for more of it. When the feeling comes I say: "oh there you are my friend, it's been a while since I've seen you. Let me settle in, then you can go."
This is great stuff. I've been marginally aware of stoicism all my life, but only recently have been paying closer attention and actually studying and practicing it.
I already knew I was an anxious person, but I will never forget the feeling I had during the pandemic. I took 6 weeks off from work, and I was very early in my first real relationship with a girl I very much love. And even though I was safe in my home, and despite I had some reason to be anxious with the unknown virus that we know well today, I was still overly anxious. Learned a lot about myself during that period. 3 years later I’m definitely better but still having to work to minimize anxiousness and anxiety. Work towards it people, don’t just settle for being an “anxious person”. Find your cure to reduce it🙏🏽
I came to the same conclusion, so I have made the intention to eliminate all undue anxiety from my life action by action. 🙏🏽
Not everything deserves our energy...tired of being unduly exhausted
Not everything or everyone.
So meny are vampires. Sucking our time, emotional spirit our very souls.
Sadly it took me years to learn this. And just as Sadly I have more than likely ignored some people that I shouldn't have, and for that I'm sorry.
Life is a learning experience
Always short, sweet and to the point. You are doing such important work - passing down the essential wisdom of ages. Thank you for all the time and energy you invest. It is making a difference in the world. One person at a time.
Great video again Ryan. Putting it simply, you're making lives better. Thank you for that.
This is a fantastic high level overview. Like other posts it helps to re-watch every so often to help reinforce the points covered. Thanks for posting!
I suggest avoiding caffeine.
Thank you for this, many important lessons and the passion in your voice talking about these is proof that it has greatly helped you
You're doing great work Ryan!! We need more people like you! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for making the world a better place DS! You're tips are gold - one step at a time to achieve greatness 💪
I have helped myself a lot lately, I have learned not to worry about things I can't change, and if you think about it, a person has no real control over anything, even our own life could be gone in the next second, think about it.
I have to agree with the journaling…great way to calm yourself.
Another quote that resonates with this video to me is by Sadhguru who said ,
“Never look up to anybody,
Never look down on anybody
If you look at life the way it is ,
You can swiftly navigate through it”
Thank you so much Ryan. This video is excellent as is all of your work. You are infinite, endless and needed my friend. Massive grattitude for your books, videos and podcasts.
Reminds me of the Serenity Prayer basically.
Straight talking no rubbish just good old fashioned sound advice, I’m gonna keep listening again and again until this really sinks in thanks for your wisdom😊
I needed to hear this today... YES ONLY care about what you do and Yes don't choose to feel harmed!
Thank you for this video. I've been doing wrong so many things from your list, that it really is an opportunity to grow for me.
Especially I love the part about taking power over what can harm you and letting go urge to be a judge. This is wisdom my life has been lacking
I love this guy! What a treat for humanity that you exist ❤️
What you said about shutting down emotions being like putting them on a credit card hit me so hard. That's me to a T... and my emotional debt ABOUT my financial debt, combined, led me to this video. Thank you.
You are doing some amazing work with this channel! Thank you!
Thank you for making this video and for being you, Ryan Holiday. I am going to make a note here and make sure to recommend the link and this video to others. Have a wonderful week ahead.
I had this on my "Watch Later" and I finally watched it today. WOW. It really hit me, I needed these messages at this exact moment.
Pure gold. Thank you, Ryan.
stoicism helped me alot , every time i am mad, upset. But i still struggle with being alone. All by myself for a long time. and deal with tasks , long to do lists. stay focused for a long period of time.
Mr. Holliday, I appreciate how you make these ideas so personal and approachable.
I appreciate you doing this video. Thank you.
Gracias Ryan - A great video to keep in our watch later list.. and watch it from time to time.
Not having an opinion would help society a lot in todays world
I really needed this today. Thanks.
Your channel is remarkable ! So glad we found you!
Ya man, stoic philosophy is exactly what i've been searching for my entire life. What a game changer! Thanks for these
Also check out " japanese zen" it`s a lot of the same.
I just started practicing stoicism. I feel anxious yet excited at the same time. Checking how your progress has been and any tips for beginners?
Thank you for sharing your feelings and daily life. Every piece of advice seems more understandable this way
Excellent reminders. Thank you for this video. 😊
Good timing Ryan. If you read this- thank you
5:55 lol
'I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.'
It's strange how a breakup was needed to finally reach some mental clarity. I finally have been able to handle emotions better, be more content with my position right now, work towards my goals and in general just have a more positive look on life.
I am enjoying being alone while also cherishing social interactions a lot more. I challenge every thought I have that seems irrational. I feel my emotions instead of hiding them.
Stoicism and a general appreciation for the present have done great things for me and will continue to do so
Subscribing to your channel today is one of the Top 3 things I have done for myself this year. Thank you for these videos on the Stoic Philosophers.
Thank you, it is good to hear again the good advices, it helps me make an extra step in peace now.
Thank you a lot.
Journaling in a stoic manner is important.
This guy is awesome. He genuinely makes the world better for others
From one creator to another, I admire how well you take advantage of your unique situation. Instead of using stock footage videos, you go out and take advantage of the beautiful landscape in your environment.😎
On a different note, it can be hard to make a conscious decision not to have an opinion about something. I therefore often ask myself how much of an impact something has on my life. If it has little to no impact, I forbid myself to waste more energy on it. Great video! 💪
I needed to hear this today. Ryan, your videos have become my reflective journal, my reminders to rise above existential dread that is weighing me (and many of us) down. Thank you for doing this important work.
Thanks man, this video helped me so much.
Thank you for this wonderful awareness. You have brought these special words of the stoic to modern day. It's priceless. It's helped me so much
Thank you Ryan
I look forward to these videos during my struggle.
Thank you for sharing your message. You have made an incredible impact on my life and I’m sure many other so thank you
I have subscribed to your daily stoicism, I am ready to make this big change in my life through planting these thoughts in my mind little by little. Thank you for doing this.
I wanna say thank you, Ryan. You've helped me along my journey to become my best self. 👊👍🏻
Thank you for this phenomenal content🙏
I love your reels! So inspiring and spot on,! Blessings to you and your family
As a clinical psychologist that specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), I can truly see how CBT is a repackaging of many stoic ideas, such as these. Thank you for spelling it out and explaining these ideas.
Thank you !!!!!!!!
Thank you!!
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
This is a fabulous series, thanks for making them.
I agree with not caring about what other people think but only to an extent. Caring what other people think can be extremely valuable when it's people you value (friends/family/mentors) and can be a big driver to change your behaviour in ways that can alleviate anxieties/stresses.
Caring what people think is a huge driver of anxiety. Period. Self judgement and self.. seeking approval will always backfire.
The points you make in this video remind me of the message I got from the movie Peaceful Warrior. Love your Channel. Thank you!
Thank you!😊
Easier said than done. Especially when you have panic disorder which is a medical condition. That being said I always can use another way to help ease my mind so thank you. Recently started a morning walk with a friend. Only because she's a good friend and asked me to. Good to know it's helpful for anxiety!
I've been struggling with PTSD very long everyone says you so stoic always but inside is turmoil , Thanks.
That was very good, thanks for putting this together
Excellent, thank you Ryan.
This is such an incredible clip packed full of wisdom.
Thank you ! Ryan
Thank you, this helped.
My philosophy is buddhist and it gives me great peace and through it I've coped with anxiety. I live in the moment I also regard myself as a stoic and what you say is very true and pertinent. I walk every day and every day I do sun salutations and give thanks for my life as an artist. It seems to me that I follow the same path as you and it gives me peace of mind and deep contentment. Many thanks for sharing your wisdom...
Hi there. A quick thought if interested. I have found that fully embracing anxiety when it arises has helped a lot. Even invigorating at times. Could be worth trying. I feel like it increases meditation's benefits quite a bit. To embrace any emotional energy. Maybe an odd perspective but, it really works. Appreciate your time, good day to you
Thank you, your videos help me a lot.
Ironically, I was just researching this exact topic... Crazy how things work
Coincidentally 😉
Thank you so much for this video 🙏
I needed this thank you somuch ryan holiday
love all your tips!
Numbers 3, 4, 7 and 8 are very important. Thank you for these lessons, sir.
Adding an 11 to the list, this video has helped alleviate my anxiety in a little under 11 minutes. Thanks for the video!
I needeed to hear this today, thank you.
perfect timing with this one
Thank you
Thank you!