Thoughts play a key role in our anxiety.
In fact, our thoughts can cause anxiety, but they can also dramatically reduce it if we handle our though process properly. This is why it's important to recognize the sequence of EVENT - THOUGHTS - FEELINGS – BEHAVIORS. The Cognitive Triangle emphasizes on how our thoughts alters the way that we feel, which subsequently alters the way that we act, which then influences our thoughts. Without intervention, this process continues to repeat itself.
The activating event is an external factor that we are often unable to control. (eg: the dismissal of a colleague)
Then follows our immediate interpretations of the event. Thinking is a process that takes place within milliseconds and is done automatically (often unconsciously). This evaluation can be rational or irrational and it is often based on our beliefs regarding the event. However, a thought ALWAYS precedes the feeling and defines it. (eg thinking: I am also in danger of being fired, feelings: intense anxiety and fear).
At the next step, our behavior, which is often based on what we feel, leads to certain consequences. (eg: Behavior: I isolate myself; I stop to socialize and I nourish the distorted thought)
And since we do not just communicate with words, it is very possible for very strong and lasting emotions to have an impact on our bodily functions (eg body: intense tachycardia, trembling, stomach pain, frequent headaches)