Megan was feeling anxious. If you asked her, she’d tell you this feeling wasn’t helping. She had to give a speech in front of her company—presenting her findings to the entire staff. Though she knew her material, the thought of standing at the podium, looking out at fifty of her coworkers, made her heart race and her palms sweat. The stress was overwhelming.

Most of us can relate—whether it’s a piano recital, a big exam, or a work presentation, our bodies react in similar ways. But here’s the good news: that anxious feeling doesn’t have to be your enemy. In fact, the latest neuroscience tells us it can actually help you perform better.

The Science of “Positive Anxiety”

Research shows that the way we interpret our anxiety determines how it affects us. Psychologists Blascovich & Mendes (2000) found that when people see a stressful situation as a challenge rather than a threat, their brains and bodies respond more effectively. The challenge mindset leads to increased blood flow to the brain, better focus, and improved performance.

Neuroscience supports this idea. When we experience anxiety, the amygdala—the brain’s emotional alarm center—activates, sending signals to prepare us for action. If we reframe the situation as a challenge, the prefrontal cortex, which handles reasoning and planning, stays engaged and helps regulate that emotional response. This brain balance allows anxiety to become fuel for motivation rather than fear for avoidance.

In fact, studies show that moderate anxiety can sharpen attention, boost memory, and increase problem-solving speed (Shackman et al., Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2016). It’s when anxiety becomes excessive or chronic that it turns unhelpful.

So, the next time you feel anxious before a big event, remind yourself: This feeling is my body getting ready to perform. Your increased heart rate and alertness are part of a natural, helpful system designed to help you rise to the occasion.

How to Reframe Anxiety

When facing that test, recital, or speech, try these steps:

1. Label it as excitement, not fear. Research from Harvard’s Alison Wood Brooks (2014) shows that telling yourself, “I’m excited!” before a performance improves confidence and results.
2. Focus on purpose, not perfection. Shift from “What if I fail?” to “This is an opportunity to grow.”
3. Breathe and engage your body. Slow, deep breathing helps calm the amygdala and keep your prefrontal cortex online.
4. Pray and center your thoughts. For people of faith, grounding anxiety in spiritual truth is powerful.

Faith and Strength

From a faith perspective, anxiety doesn’t have to mean weakness or lack of trust. It’s a natural human response that can be channeled into courage. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” When we view anxious moments as challenges we can face—with God’s strength behind us—we transform anxiety into motivation and resilience.

So yes, anxiety can feel uncomfortable—but it can also be the very energy you need to push through and succeed. When you reframe it as a challenge, not a threat, you not only think better—you perform better.

For more help with anxiety, check out Dr. Linda’s newest workbook, Hope and Healing for Anxiety