Why do I feel more anxious after meditating?

This is more common than people admit. Several reasons: sitting still removes distractions that normally mask anxiety, so you feel what was always there. Some techniques (like body scanning) can amplify physical sensations you were suppressing. Silence can feel threatening if your nervous system associates stillness with vulnerability. And ‘trying to relax’ creates performance pressure that increases anxiety. If meditation makes your anxiety worse, try shorter sessions, eyes-open techniques, or movement-based practices. The technique matters more than the duration.