I define anxiety as a constant and penetrating nervousness toward the uncertain. It can be debilitating, yes, but I think it's a part of growing up and dealing with "real world" issues. (As an aside--I hate the expression "real world." Is what I'm doing now somehow fake?) I'm a naturally anxious person, but I don't necessarily see that as a personality flaw. The more I think about anxiety, but more specifically my unique brand of anxiety, the more I can come to terms with it. Tests give me anxiety because they seem so defining to my Future. Books cause anxiety because I become so attached to characters and I just want them to live happy lives. TV shows (I'm looking at YOU, Criminal Minds) and movies make me anxious because scary events are, by their very nature, anxiety-producing.
There is wisdom to step-based programs. You recognize the problem (hello, anxiety), you enumerate the consequences, and then you find solutions. When I'm anxious, or just Stressed Out, I like being able to get to the source of the matter. To ameliorate any anxious-tendencies (I have an awful habit of gnawing at my nails when I'm worried), I like to take time for myself. I'll drink some warm tea, do some yoga, or read a book--things that are a natural antidote to my anxiety.