The other day, I caught myself feeling out of sorts, uneasy, unsettled, and anxious. I said out loud, “I don’t know why I feel like this, everything’s fine, but I just can’t shake it.” If you’ve ever felt that kind of anxiety with no clear trigger, you’re not alone. There might be tightness in your chest, a racing heart, or a vague sense of dread that seems to come from nowhere. It’s confusing, sometimes even scary, when anxiety shows up without a clear reason. We don’t like it and often try to ignore it hoping it will just go away.

Why is this happening?

The reality is anxiety doesn’t always have an obvious cause. It’s part of our brain’s built-in survival system, an internal alarm designed to protect us from harm. The amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for detecting danger, can react before we’re consciously aware of any threat. But it’s not always accurate. It can mistake stress, fatigue, or even unfamiliar situations for danger. That’s why anxiety can pop up, even when life seems to be going smoothly.

Sometimes, this type of anxiety is your body catching up with unprocessed stress. Even if you’re not actively thinking about what’s been hard lately, your nervous system might still be holding it. Past experiences, emotional overload, or long periods without rest can keep the body on high alert, making anxiety feel like it’s lingering in the background.

There are also physical triggers that can influence how we feel: too much caffeine, poor sleep, low blood sugar, hormonal shifts, or simply having too much on your plate. These things may not feel like reasons for anxiety, but they quietly affect how our brain and body function.

For some people, particularly those with Generalised Anxiety Disorder or a history of panic attacks, this response becomes more frequent. The nervous system becomes over-sensitive, like a smoke alarm that goes off at burnt toast. It’s not a weakness, it’s a sign your system is working overtime to keep you safe.

So what can you do?

Start by recognising what’s happening. Bringing your attention to the present, what you can see, hear, and feel, can help ground your brain in safety. It also helps to name what’s going on: “I’m feeling anxious, but I’m not in danger.” That simple act of acknowledgement can ease the intensity.

Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” Maybe it’s a walk, a moment of quiet, a supportive conversation, or simply a break from stimulation. You don’t always need to know why the anxiety is there to respond to it in a way that helps.

If anxiety is showing up more often or starting to interfere with your life, you don’t have to manage it alone. Talk to your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan or visit psychology.org.au to find a psychologist near you.

Sometimes, anxiety is just your system asking for care, not crisis. And that’s something worth listening to.