Anxiety is a common experience in today’s fast-paced world, but it’s not a new phenomenon.
Ancient philosophers like the Stoics faced similar struggles and developed timeless strategies for overcoming anxiety and maintaining inner peace.
By focusing on what is within our control and practicing mental resilience, Stoicism offers practical tools to help us conquer anxiety and live more grounded, fulfilling lives.
In this article, we’ll explore how Stoic principles can be applied to deal with anxiety, offering actionable steps to help you regain control of your mind and emotions.
What Is Anxiety and How Does Stoicism Address It?
Anxiety stems from uncertainty, fear of the unknown, or concerns about future events.
It often leads to overthinking, stress, and an overwhelming sense of worry about things we can’t control.
The Stoics, particularly Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, understood these mental struggles and developed practical methods to navigate them.
At the core of Stoic philosophy is the dichotomy of control—the belief that we can divide life into two categories: things we can control and things we cannot.
Epictetus famously said:
“Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing.”
By focusing on what we can control and letting go of what we can’t, we reduce the mental clutter that feeds anxiety.
Accept What You Can’t Control
Anxiety often arises from worrying about things beyond our control—whether it’s the outcome of a job interview, how others perceive us, or future events that haven’t occurred.
The Stoics teach us that worrying about these things is futile because we have no direct influence over them.
Actionable Step:
Make a list of your current anxieties.
For each item, ask yourself: “Is this something I can control?”
If the answer is no, practice letting it go by shifting your focus to what you can control—your thoughts, actions, and reactions.
Marcus Aurelius reminded himself:
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
This Stoic insight helps us reclaim mental energy by focusing on what we can influence.
Reframe Your Thoughts
One of the most powerful tools in the Stoic toolbox is cognitive reframing.
The Stoics believed that it’s not the external events themselves that cause us distress, but rather our perception of those events.
By changing how we interpret situations, we can significantly reduce anxiety.
Actionable Step:
When you feel anxious, pause and ask yourself: “What story am I telling myself about this situation?”
Challenge the negative assumptions you’re making.
If you’re anxious about a presentation, reframe it: Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, think of it as an opportunity to practice and improve your skills.
In Letters from a Stoic, Seneca said:
“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”
This reminds us that much of our anxiety is based on hypothetical outcomes, not actual events. By reframing our thoughts, we can neutralize this self-inflicted suffering.
Practice Negative Visualization
The Stoic practice of negative visualization (premeditatio malorum) is a powerful way to overcome anxiety.
By imagining the worst-case scenario and calmly considering how you would respond, you become emotionally prepared for challenges.
The purpose isn’t to dwell on negativity but to reduce the fear of the unknown by confronting it head-on.
Actionable Step:
Spend a few minutes each day visualizing potential setbacks related to your anxieties.
Ask yourself, “If this happened, how would I handle it?”
By mentally rehearsing these scenarios, they become less intimidating, and you develop a sense of preparedness.
Seneca wrote:
“He robs present ills of their power who has perceived their coming beforehand.”
This Stoic approach to anxiety helps you build resilience by transforming fear into a manageable experience.
Live in the Present Moment
Anxiety is often rooted in concerns about the future.
The Stoics believed that peace comes from living fully in the present and not getting lost in “what ifs” about tomorrow.
Marcus Aurelius frequently advised himself to focus on the now:
“Confine yourself to the present.”
By grounding yourself in the present moment, you can break the cycle of anxious thoughts.
Actionable Step:
In moments of anxiety, pause and take a few deep breaths.
Bring your attention back to the present.
What can you do right now to address the situation?
Instead of worrying about tomorrow’s tasks, focus on completing what’s in front of you.
Mindfulness is an extension of this Stoic practice and helps you regain control over your thoughts by centering your awareness on the current moment.
Embrace the Stoic Virtue of Courage
Stoicism emphasizes the virtue of courage—facing fears and challenges head-on without retreating.
When anxiety strikes, the Stoics encourage us to act despite the discomfort.
Courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear, but rather choosing to move forward regardless of fear.
Actionable Step:
When anxiety makes you feel like avoiding something, push yourself to take small steps toward it.
Whether it’s making a difficult phone call, tackling a project, or addressing a relationship issue, act with courage.
Recognize that avoiding the issue only gives anxiety more power.
Epictetus often reminded his students:
“Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen.”
This mindset of courage enables you to act with strength, even in uncertain situations.
Journaling as a Stoic Tool for Anxiety
Many Stoics, including Marcus Aurelius, used journaling as a way to reflect on their thoughts, clarify emotions, and manage anxiety.
Writing down your thoughts helps you separate rational concerns from irrational fears and gives you a clearer perspective.
Actionable Step:
Start a Stoic journal.
Each evening, write down the things that caused you anxiety during the day.
Reflect on how you handled them and consider what you can control moving forward.
This practice promotes mindfulness and helps you manage your anxiety proactively.
In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius often reminded himself to focus on virtue and reason:
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
This reflective process of journaling helps clear the mind and centers your focus on what truly matters.
Detach from Outcomes
One of the biggest sources of anxiety is the desire for a specific outcome—whether it’s a promotion, social approval, or success in any form.
The Stoics advise us to detach from external outcomes and focus on doing our best, regardless of what happens.
Actionable Step:
Instead of fixating on results, commit to the process.
If you’re preparing for an exam, presentation, or project, put your energy into your preparation rather than stressing over the outcome.
When the outcome arrives, accept it with equanimity, knowing you did everything within your control.
Epictetus summed this up perfectly:
“Do not seek for things to happen the way you want them to; rather, wish that what happens happen the way it happens: then you will be happy.”
Overcome Anxiety with Stoic Practices
Anxiety is a part of the human experience, but Stoic philosophy offers a path to manage it effectively.
By focusing on what you can control, reframing negative thoughts, practicing negative visualization, and living in the present, you can reclaim your mental peace and resilience.
Key Takeaways:
- Anxiety often stems from focusing on things beyond your control.
- Reframe your thoughts and challenge negative assumptions.
- Use negative visualization to mentally prepare for challenges.
- Live in the present and take small steps of courage to face anxiety.
- Detach from outcomes and focus on doing your best in the process.
As you begin to apply these Stoic techniques in your daily life, you’ll find that anxiety loses its grip.
You’ll develop a calm, resilient mindset that can weather any storm.
Stoicism teaches us that peace doesn’t come from external circumstances but from how we choose to respond to them.
By integrating these Stoic practices, you can cultivate a calmer, more intentional approach to life, where anxiety no longer controls your thoughts.
Remember, the Stoic path to overcoming anxiety is a lifelong practice—one built on self-awareness, mindfulness, and inner strength.