Anxiety? Krishna Had the Answers Before Psychology Was a Thing
Ankit Gupta | Apr 04, 2025, 10:43 IST
Highlight of the story: Anxiety feels like an endless battle, but Krishna had the answers long before modern psychology. Drawing wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, this article explores how Krishna’s teachings align with contemporary psychological techniques to break free from anxiety.
Have you ever felt trapped in your own mind, overwhelmed by worries, fears, and doubts that seem to have no end? Anxiety is an affliction that affects millions, a battle fought within the mind that often feels unwinnable. But what if the answers to this struggle were written thousands of years ago, long before psychology became a science? The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most profound spiritual texts in history, offers timeless wisdom that modern research is now validating. By blending Krishna’s teachings with contemporary psychological techniques, we can find a way to break free from anxiety’s grip.
Anxiety is a war. But the enemy is not external; it is within. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna:
"For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best friend. For one who has failed to do so, the mind is the greatest enemy." (Gita 6.6)
This verse highlights an essential truth: the mind can either be a powerful ally or a formidable adversary. It all depends on how we train it. Anxiety thrives when the mind is left unchecked, running wild with fears, assumptions, and doubts. But just as a warrior hones his skills, we too can train our minds to work for us rather than against us.
Overthinking feels productive, but in reality, it’s a mental trap. Studies confirm that the vast majority of our worries never come true. A Cornell University study found that 91% of our fears are baseless. Additionally, our brain processes over 6,000 thoughts daily, but we act on only a fraction of them. Anxiety tricks us into believing that by analyzing every possible scenario, we can avoid failure or danger. But this is a deception.
Krishna offers a crucial insight into this dilemma:
"You have the right to your actions, but never to the fruits of your actions. Do not be attached to the results." (Gita 2.47)
This teaching aligns with a psychological technique known as Cognitive Defusion, which helps us detach from distressing thoughts. Instead of saying, "I am anxious," try saying, "I notice that anxiety is here." This simple shift changes our relationship with anxiety. Similarly, instead of dwelling on "What if I fail?", try "I will handle failure if it comes." By observing thoughts rather than obeying them, we loosen anxiety’s grip.
Fear does not arise from reality; it comes from our perception of reality. Neuroscience has shown that the amygdala, our brain’s alarm system, cannot distinguish between real and imagined threats. This means that avoiding our fears only strengthens them. Harvard Medical School confirms that the more we avoid fear, the more control it gains over us.
Krishna provides a powerful antidote:
"There is neither this world nor the world beyond for the fearful." (Gita 2.40)
This aligns with Exposure Therapy, a proven psychological method for reducing anxiety. Facing our fears in small, controlled steps rewires the brain to see them as less threatening. Start by writing down your biggest fear. Then, take the smallest step toward confronting it. As you gradually increase exposure, fear loses its power over you. Remember: fear shrinks when you walk toward it.
Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of stress, even when nothing is actually wrong? Chronic anxiety keeps the nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight mode. The body cannot distinguish between real danger and imagined danger, leading to constant tension.
Krishna teaches:
"Be steadfast in equanimity. Be free from attachment to success or failure." (Gita 2.48)
To calm the nervous system, we can use Nervous System Regulation Techniques:
4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This method slows the heart rate and reduces anxiety.Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense each muscle group, then release. This signals the brain to shift from fight-or-flight to relaxation.Cold Exposure: Splashing cold water on your face activates the vagus nerve, which helps regulate anxiety.
Social media distorts reality, showing only highlight reels while hiding struggles. This fuels the comparison trap, making us feel inadequate. Research from the NIH reveals that excessive social media use increases anxiety and depression by 70%. Moreover, UCLA studies show that the brain processes social rejection like physical pain.
Krishna advises:
"A person who is not disturbed by praise or criticism is truly peaceful." (Gita 12.19)
To break free from comparison, try a Digital Detox & Dopamine Reset:
Unfollow accounts that trigger insecurityReplace passive scrolling with meaningful connectionsWrite three things you love about your own journey daily
Remember, your path is yours alone. No comparison required.
At its core, anxiety stems from the need to control the uncontrollable. The brain craves certainty, but life is unpredictable. The tighter we grip, the more drained we become. Which technique will you try first? Your journey to mastering the mind starts now.
Krishna reminds us:
"Why do you worry unnecessarily? Whom do you fear? Who can kill you? The soul is neither born nor dies." (Gita 2.23)
This wisdom aligns with Radical Acceptance, a psychological practice that teaches us to surrender to what we cannot change. Try saying out loud: "I accept what is. I trust what will be." Focus only on what you can control—your effort, your mindset, your response. Peace is not found in control; it is found in surrender.
Many ask, "When will my anxiety go away?" The truth is, it won’t—not completely. But that doesn’t mean it has to rule your life. Krishna tells Arjuna:
"Perform your duty without attachment. A steady mind brings peace." (Gita 5.12)
This teaching mirrors Purpose-Driven Action—moving forward despite fear. Anxiety loses its power when we are deeply engaged in meaningful work. Don’t wait for fear to subside; take action anyway. Do one thing today that aligns with your values, even if anxiety is present.
You are not your thoughts. You are not your fears. You are not your worst-case scenarios. You are the observer, the awareness beyond the noise.
Krishna assures:
"The soul is eternal, unshaken by fear, beyond birth and death." (Gita 2.20)
Anxiety is just a visitor. You are permanent.
Your mind is powerful. It can create suffering—or freedom. The Bhagavad Gita and modern psychology agree:
The mind is a tool—train it, don’t let it train you.Fear loses power when faced head-on.Peace comes from surrender, not control.
The Mind is the Battlefield
Mindful Mind
Anxiety is a war. But the enemy is not external; it is within. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna:
"For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best friend. For one who has failed to do so, the mind is the greatest enemy." (Gita 6.6)
This verse highlights an essential truth: the mind can either be a powerful ally or a formidable adversary. It all depends on how we train it. Anxiety thrives when the mind is left unchecked, running wild with fears, assumptions, and doubts. But just as a warrior hones his skills, we too can train our minds to work for us rather than against us.
The Overthinking Loop – How to Break It
Prisoner of Thought
Overthinking feels productive, but in reality, it’s a mental trap. Studies confirm that the vast majority of our worries never come true. A Cornell University study found that 91% of our fears are baseless. Additionally, our brain processes over 6,000 thoughts daily, but we act on only a fraction of them. Anxiety tricks us into believing that by analyzing every possible scenario, we can avoid failure or danger. But this is a deception.
Krishna offers a crucial insight into this dilemma:
"You have the right to your actions, but never to the fruits of your actions. Do not be attached to the results." (Gita 2.47)
This teaching aligns with a psychological technique known as Cognitive Defusion, which helps us detach from distressing thoughts. Instead of saying, "I am anxious," try saying, "I notice that anxiety is here." This simple shift changes our relationship with anxiety. Similarly, instead of dwelling on "What if I fail?", try "I will handle failure if it comes." By observing thoughts rather than obeying them, we loosen anxiety’s grip.
The Science of Fear – And How to Dissolve It
Running from Fear
Fear does not arise from reality; it comes from our perception of reality. Neuroscience has shown that the amygdala, our brain’s alarm system, cannot distinguish between real and imagined threats. This means that avoiding our fears only strengthens them. Harvard Medical School confirms that the more we avoid fear, the more control it gains over us.
Krishna provides a powerful antidote:
"There is neither this world nor the world beyond for the fearful." (Gita 2.40)
This aligns with Exposure Therapy, a proven psychological method for reducing anxiety. Facing our fears in small, controlled steps rewires the brain to see them as less threatening. Start by writing down your biggest fear. Then, take the smallest step toward confronting it. As you gradually increase exposure, fear loses its power over you. Remember: fear shrinks when you walk toward it.
Why Anxiety Feels Endless – The Nervous System Hijack
Burden of Thoughts
Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of stress, even when nothing is actually wrong? Chronic anxiety keeps the nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight mode. The body cannot distinguish between real danger and imagined danger, leading to constant tension.
Krishna teaches:
"Be steadfast in equanimity. Be free from attachment to success or failure." (Gita 2.48)
To calm the nervous system, we can use Nervous System Regulation Techniques:
4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This method slows the heart rate and reduces anxiety.Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense each muscle group, then release. This signals the brain to shift from fight-or-flight to relaxation.Cold Exposure: Splashing cold water on your face activates the vagus nerve, which helps regulate anxiety.
The Comparison Trap – And How to Escape It
The Greatness of the Self
Social media distorts reality, showing only highlight reels while hiding struggles. This fuels the comparison trap, making us feel inadequate. Research from the NIH reveals that excessive social media use increases anxiety and depression by 70%. Moreover, UCLA studies show that the brain processes social rejection like physical pain.
Krishna advises:
"A person who is not disturbed by praise or criticism is truly peaceful." (Gita 12.19)
To break free from comparison, try a Digital Detox & Dopamine Reset:
Unfollow accounts that trigger insecurityReplace passive scrolling with meaningful connectionsWrite three things you love about your own journey daily
Remember, your path is yours alone. No comparison required.
The Root of Anxiety – Control vs. Surrender
Krishna reminds us:
"Why do you worry unnecessarily? Whom do you fear? Who can kill you? The soul is neither born nor dies." (Gita 2.23)
This wisdom aligns with Radical Acceptance, a psychological practice that teaches us to surrender to what we cannot change. Try saying out loud: "I accept what is. I trust what will be." Focus only on what you can control—your effort, your mindset, your response. Peace is not found in control; it is found in surrender.
The Real Secret to Peace
"Perform your duty without attachment. A steady mind brings peace." (Gita 5.12)
This teaching mirrors Purpose-Driven Action—moving forward despite fear. Anxiety loses its power when we are deeply engaged in meaningful work. Don’t wait for fear to subside; take action anyway. Do one thing today that aligns with your values, even if anxiety is present.
Your Anxiety is Not Your Identity
Krishna assures:
"The soul is eternal, unshaken by fear, beyond birth and death." (Gita 2.20)
Anxiety is just a visitor. You are permanent.
The Final Truth
The mind is a tool—train it, don’t let it train you.Fear loses power when faced head-on.Peace comes from surrender, not control.