Being familiar with the concept of “anxiety triggers” can help you understand what causes you to feel nervous, stressed and worried. Just like being exposed to allergy triggers makes you sneeze, itch, and get red eyes, anxiety triggers are things in your environment that you interact that to ramp up your stress, even if you’re not consciously aware of what’s going on.
The good thing is, just as you can avoid substances that trigger your allergies, you can also find ways to arrange your life to avoid, or mitigate the effects of, your anxiety triggers. The first step is knowing what triggers you.
Just as your zodiac sign shapes your personality, it can also shape your anxiety triggers.
Find your zodiac sign in the list below, and see if what it describes sounds familiar to you!
Aries (March 21 – April 20)
Aries are very much the classic “type A” personality: always busy, multitasking, restless, and critical, both of others and themselves. Unfortunately, this is a frequently stressful way to be. Aries don’t deal well with having nothing to do, nor do they enjoy having to slow down to work with others, both of which can cause frustration and anxiety. Aries also have a tendency to beat themselves up when they don’t meet their own high standards, which can also increase the pressure to perform. It’s not a bad thing to take a breath occasionally and be kinder in your self-evaluations.
Taurus (April 21 – May 21)
Tauruses like their lives to be calm, simple, and stable. Surprises, even if they’re pleasant ones, can be stressful and anxiety-causing for Tauruses. They are also devoted to keeping those around them happy, which makes them great friends but also leads them to take on more than they can handle. Tauruses need to remember that sometimes it’s okay to put yourself first.
Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
You know how they say “don’t sweat the small stuff?” Geminis are the masters of sweating the small stuff. A Gemini can turn even an ordinary task into an insurmountable, anxiety-causing labor by getting into the weeds on every little detail. Having a good friend who can help you maintain perspective on what really matters can be a vital lifeline for a Gemini.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
Cancers tend to be introverted. This doesn’t mean they shun social situations completely, but they do get easily stressed when they have to interact with strangers. Having to reveal personal details, possibly look foolish, and/or accept criticism can also be emotionally devastating to a Cancer. These traits can be managed with practice, and at the same time it helps to carve out alone time to recharge the Cancer’s batteries.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Leo has exactly the opposite problem from Cancer. Leos want to be the focus of attention and the one everyone looks to for answers — in short, the one in charge. When they have to concede control to someone else, it leads to mistrust, uncertainty, and self-doubt. To avoid anxiety, it’s important for Leos to learn early on to respect others’ capabilities, and to know that sometimes the best part of leading is being able to step aside for someone more qualified.
Virgo (August 23 – September 23)
Virgos share some of Leos’ control-freak aspect, but Virgos don’t care if they get the spotlight or not. Instead, Virgos make themselves (and everyone around them!) anxious by insisting on perfection. This frequently manifests in a storm of overthinking as the Virgo attempts to plan for every possible problem. For mental peace, a Virgo has to learn when not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good, and trust their ability to deal with problems on the fly.
Libra (September 24 – October 23)
Libras expect the world to operate on fair and sensible principles. Unfortunately, as you may have noticed, it doesn’t. This can cause a lot of stress for Libras as they feel personally persecuted by injustice around them. Taking positive action against unfairness can help dissipate a Libra’s anxiety, but they should also know how to let go of what they can’t fix.
Scorpio (October 24 – November 22)
Scorpios are very sensitive to dishonesty, and can get very upset if they feel someone is not being straight with them. The solution to this problem is twofold. First, Scorpios must work to cut genuinely untrustworthy people out of their life. But at the same time, Scorpios must realize that no one is completely honest all the time, and find it in themselves to forgive minor deceptions.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Sagittarians prize their independence and like to set their own rules. Given that, it’s not surprising that the main anxiety trigger for Sagittarians is being in situations where they have no choice but to do as they’re told. Even understanding that there are times when a little conformity isn’t a bad thing doesn’t always help with the stress, so it’s important for Sagitattarians to have a creative outlet where they can just be themselves.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Capricorns tend to be inflexible and can have unrealistically high expectations, both for themselves and others. They can blow up when things don’t go exactly the way they planned, or when someone — even themselves — falls short of a promised goal. A Capricorn who wants to avoid anxiety must learn to be patient and to adapt to unexpected circumstances.
Aquarius (January 21 – Febuary 19)
Aquarians like to take it slow and make sure they have a clear understanding of their situation. Being asked to multitask, work rapidly, or make a snap decision based on incomplete information can be extremely anxiety-inducing for an Aquarius. That’s why it’s important for an Aquarius to ensure that they can take life at their own pace, and at the same time be willing to make mistakes sometimes.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces tend to be naturally shy. They get anxious in crowds, big parties, and the like. Situations where they’re the center of attention, such as having to speak publicly, are worst of all for Pisces. As a Pisces, it’s important to work on your social skills and learn to trust people. This can make having to be around large numbers of people more bearable.
Knowing your anxiety triggers can help you take stock of your life. Try to identify the situations and people you’re regularly exposed to that might be tripping your triggers. Is there any way you can minimize your exposure, or create ways to relax yourself once you notice your stress rising? A little thoughtful assessment can go a long way in managing your anxiety.