Everyone seems to experience anxiety differently, although the most common symptoms include fleeting thoughts, a state of hypervigilance and fear, and not feeling grounded.

Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt therapy, described anxiety as 'excitement without breath'. At first, I couldn't make a link between my perceived negative experience of anxiety and the word 'excitement'. It took me some time to realise that 'excitement' involves the element of the future - the expectations and hopes; what it is not in the present.

When anxious, I find myself unable to connect with the present, the here-and-now. I am in a state of anticipation of what could happen. My awareness of my racing thoughts and physical discomfort makes me unaccepting of the present moment. In addition, I notice in myself how my breathing becomes shallow and my eyes move around the room, following the fast pace of my mind.

I am aware of how anxiety might unnoticeably become part of one's 'natural' state of being. A form of living life. With the mind in the future, fearing every step, every challenge, every sign of not being in control. And perhaps with a sense of: 'the faster I move, the faster the present will vanish. I better not stop riding the bicycle or I might fall and have no energy to stand up again.'

Slowing down doesn't seem like an option. I may stop moving but my mind is still working so hard; my body shows its resentment through being in a state of exhaustion.

In searching for ways to support myself, these are the top techniques that I recommend and that have worked for me:

• To find a comfortable position where my feet are heavily grounded on the floor, and to connect with my physical experience, with the possibility of feeling rooted
• To slow down my breathing. To bring my breathing to my belly and listen to it softly for a few minutes. To notice how my heart pace might slow down. With kindness, I try to become aware of my feelings and needs by becoming the silent observer of my racing thoughts
• To find a way of externalising my thoughts and feelings. I usually practice yoga, dance or I journal - you might want to be creative with this one and do something that suits you!
• To find a supportive and accepting environment that feels safe. Therapy can be highly supportive when facing anxiety.