Intuition vs. Anxiety: How to Tell the Difference & Trust Your Gut Feeling

Have you ever had a gut feeling that something was absolutely right, or profoundly wrong? Or perhaps felt an insistent sense of dread that kept you from moving forward? In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get these internal signals mixed up. We often lump them all under the umbrella of "indecisive," but there’s a crucial distinction between intuition and anxiety – and learning to recognize it can be a powerful tool for your mental well-being. At my practice, I often help clients explore the nuances of their inner landscape. One helpful way to begin is by looking at how these feelings present themselves.

Think of it this way:

Intuition Speaks in Sentences.

When intuition comes knocking, it often arrives as a clear, concise statement. It’s a knowing, quiet conviction that doesn’t demand explanation or proof.

• "This path feels right for me."

• "I need to slow down."

• "That person isn't trustworthy."

• "This decision aligns with my values."

Intuition is often accompanied by a sense of calm, even if the message itself is challenging. It’s a gentle guide, offering a completed thought without needing to interrogate it further. It’s a deep, embodied understanding that surfaces from a place of wisdom within you.

Anxiety Asks Questions.

In contrast, anxiety is a relentless interrogator. It doesn't offer answers; it offers an endless stream of "what ifs."

• "What if I fail?"

• "What if they don't like me?"

• "What if this goes wrong?"

• "Am I making the right choice?"

• "What if I look foolish?"

Anxiety thrives on uncertainty and tends to pull you into a spiraling loop of hypothetical worst-case scenarios. It’s often accompanied by physical sensations like a racing heart, clenched jaw, shallow breath, tension, or a churning stomach. It leaves you feeling restless, overwhelmed, constantly searching, and stuck in a cycle of worry.

Why This Distinction Matters

Understanding whether you're hearing the quiet wisdom of intuition or the loud clamor of anxiety is a game-changer.

• Empowerment: When you recognize intuition, you can trust yourself more deeply and make decisions that truly serve you.

• Freedom: When you identify anxiety, you can begin to challenge those "what if" questions, rather than being ruled by them. You can develop strategies to manage the worry and regain your sense of control.

• Clarity: This distinction brings clarity to your decision-making process, helping you move forward with confidence instead of hesitation.

Learning to tune into these different internal voices takes practice and self-awareness. It's a journey of self-discovery, and one that I’m here to support you on. If you find yourself struggling to differentiate between these powerful internal signals, or if anxiety is frequently getting in the way of living your fullest life, please know that you don't have to navigate it alone.