How to Know If You’re Experiencing High-Functioning Anxiety
- Heather Headley
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 7
Reveal (the signs of high-functioning anxiety)
This article is part of the Reveal category — where we explore the emotional patterns and inner signals that are often hidden beneath the surface. If something here resonates, it may be your intuition inviting you to go deeper.
Ready to uncover what's really going on? Book a Clarity Reading Here.
1. How to Know If You’re Experiencing High-Functioning Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety is the silent storm behind the smile. It looks like success on the outside, but inside, you're spiraling with pressure, overthinking, and fear of failure. This post helps you spot it.
What It Looks Like to have high-functioning anxiety:
You overprepare and overthink, but can't slow down
You're the one people rely on, yet feel unsupported
You're emotionally exhausted but keep pushing
Symptoms:
Chronic muscle tension
Insomnia or restless sleep
Internal criticism on repeat
Difficulty feeling calm, even during downtime
What It Really Means: You're not broken. You're in survival mode, masking the overwhelm. It means your nervous system is overextended, and your inner world needs care.
If this resonates, explore the Reveal stage in the Look Within Method to begin seeing the truth beneath the coping.
2. What Emotional Burnout Is Really Trying to Tell You
Burnout isn't just about work. Emotional burnout often comes from caring too much, for too long, with too little return. And your body is trying to tell you something.
Signs of Emotional Burnout:
Numbness or emotional detachment
Feeling cynical, irritable, or hopeless
Dreading basic daily tasks
Wanting to escape, disappear, or disconnect
The Deeper Message: Burnout is a boundary-breaker. It's a message that you're out of alignment with your needs, voice, and energy. It's not weakness — it's wisdom.
Reflection Prompt: Ask: What part of me have I been ignoring or silencing to keep functioning?
Reveal the emotional root. Start with an Intuitive Clarity Reading to hear your own voice again.
Regulate
3. How Reiki Calms the Nervous System and Reduces High-Functioning Anxiety
If your body feels like it's stuck in "fight or flight," Reiki offers a bridge to "rest and restore." Here's how energy healing helps soothe the nervous system.
What Is Reiki? A Japanese energy healing modality that balances your life force energy. It's gentle, non-invasive, and works with the body's energetic blueprint.
Benefits for the Nervous System:
Activates the parasympathetic state (rest & digest)
Releases stored emotional tension
Supports better sleep, digestion, and mood
RN + Reiki Perspective: As a nurse, I've seen how physical symptoms can mirror emotional dysregulation. Reiki goes where words can't — and helps the body feel safe again.
Book an Integrative Reiki Healing Session to begin regulating your system with support.
4. Somatic Tools to Reset Stress and Reduce High-Functioning Anxiety in Minutes
You don't need an hour-long routine to feel calmer. Sometimes, 60 seconds of nervous system regulation is all you need. Here are simple somatic tools.
Quick Practices:
Orienting: Look around the room slowly. Name what you see.
Vagus Breathing: Inhale 4 counts, exhale 8.
Tapping (EFT): Gentle tapping on meridian points to release tension.
Butterfly Hug: Cross arms over chest and tap gently.
Why It Works: Your body doesn't speak in words. It speaks in sensations. Somatic practices help it feel "met" so it doesn't scream for your attention later.
Try one of these tools now. Then consider a guided session to anchor them deeply.
Recalibrate
5. How to Set Energy Boundaries Without Guilt
Intro: Empaths and caregivers often struggle with boundaries, fearing they’ll disappoint others. But healthy boundaries aren’t walls — they’re bridges to self-respect.
Common Signs of Leaky Boundaries:
Saying yes when you mean no
Feeling drained after helping others
Over-explaining your choices
How to Set Boundaries Gracefully:
Use "I statements" (e.g. "I’m not available for that right now")
No need to justify every no
Protect your sacred yes
Reminder: You don't need permission to protect your peace.
Coaching can help you recalibrate your life around energy sovereignty. Let’s work together.
6. The Power of Slow Living in a Fast World
Slowing down is a radical act in a world addicted to speed. But your body, spirit, and clarity live in the pauses.
Why We Rush:
External validation
Fear of missing out
Productivity pressure
What Slow Living Offers:
Time to feel and reflect
Nervous system regulation
Presence over performance
Mini Practices for Slowing Down:
Sip your tea in silence
Walk without your phone
Say no to speed when possible
Many of my intuitive reading clients come to me when they’re stuck in cycles of overthinking. An intuitive session can help you find clarity and next steps.
You don’t have to hustle for your healing. Let’s recalibrate your pace together.
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