by Cecilie Ott | Apr 10, 2020 | Coping Mechanisms

Where Did That Anxiety Come From?

Understanding Anxiety That Seems to Appear “Out of Nowhere”

Ever wake up after a full night’s rest only to feel a heaviness in your chest or a pit in your stomach?

You scan your day—nothing unusual, no big events—yet your body feels tense, and your thoughts race. It’s unsettling when anxiety shows up uninvited, especially when you can’t trace it back to a clear cause.

If you’ve been here, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not “crazy” or broken. Your body may be trying to tell you something—so let’s explore a few reasons this might be happening.

1. Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Ignores

Sometimes the cause of anxiety isn’t today’s to-do list—it’s the accumulated stress of recent weeks or months.

Ask yourself:

• Have I been sleeping well?
• Am I eating regularly and nourishing my body?
• Have I had any real downtime?

Many of us push through packed schedules without realizing how exhausted we truly are. But just like a toddler melts down after missing a nap, your adult body has limits too. That pit-in-your-stomach feeling might be a signal to slow down and recalibrate—not something to power through.

2. Your Body Stores Emotional Memory

Here’s a powerful truth: your body keeps track of seasons, anniversaries, and sensory cues—even when your mind doesn’t.

If something painful happened during this time last year (a breakup, illness, loss, or major stress), your body may remember. Shifts in weather, lighting, even smells can act as subtle triggers that reignite the emotions you felt back then.

You may not consciously connect the dots, but your nervous system is paying attention. So if anxiety arises during a certain time of year or around a specific date, pause and ask:

• What happened around this time last year?
• What feelings or memories might still need some care or closure?

3. The Gentle Invitation in Your Anxiety

Rather than judging yourself for feeling anxious—especially when “nothing is wrong”—try listening instead.

Ask:

• What might my body be trying to say?
• Am I running on empty?
• Do I need rest, nourishment, or support?

Sometimes, anxiety is your body’s way of waving a white flag. Other times, it’s an old emotional wound resurfacing for attention. Either way, be gentle with yourself. You’re doing the best you can with the tools and insight you have.

And if it ever feels like too much to handle alone—that’s not weakness. That’s wisdom. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, or mental health professional can make all the difference.