Luke Skywalker wanted to become a Jedi, like his father before him (don’t worry, no major spoilers ahead). Luke began training with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, but he was often impatient and reckless. The training taught Luke to slow down, notice what was happening within himself, and feel the Force flowing in and through him. These are similar to the intentional tasks that help a person become calmer and regulate after experiencing sustained anxiety.
Anxiety, in a way, can act as the body’s alarm system, activating when we face real or perceived threats. Staying in this activated state for prolonged periods not only damages the mind and body but also disrupts the nervous system's normal flow. In fact, the nervous system can become “accustomed” to living on high alert, so “normal” is no longer the default. Bringing it back to a healthy level takes purposeful and intentional steps.
Start by noticing—notice the tension in your body and your thought life. This is what Luke had to do when he began training. Next, consider some of the following ideas to help bring your nervous system back to normal: work to reduce constant stimulation, breathe before reacting, slow the transitions between tasks, create peaceful rhythms in your home, and ground yourself in the truth of Scripture and prayer.
Learning the ways of the Force helped Luke become more patient, and it “normalized” his chaotic insides. Luke also learned that training to be a Jedi takes time and consistent action. Yoda famously says to Luke, “Do or do not. There is no try.” Regulating your nervous system is a skill you can learn and strengthen over time, similar to how Luke learned to use the Force. If you have experienced heightened levels of anxiety for a sustained amount of time, I encourage you today: there is hope. I invite you to come learn the ways of the Force.