I think the problem with meditation, is that, it can often be presented in very esoteric and cryptic ways.
From what little experience I have on the matter, I should say, liken it to physical exercise. There are countless numbers of ways, one can physically exercise, and countless other reasons and motivations behind why people do it.
Some people are just taking daily walks at the urging of their doctor. Some people are body building. Some people are training their bodies to be useful in the martial arts. Some people want to lose weight. Some folks just enjoy bike riding, mountain climbing, hiking, and by virtue of their enjoyment preferences, simply become quite physically fit, as a consequence.
So, likewise, I think, there are a plethora of different people, who will give you a plethora of different ways to meditate, and reasons for doing so.
Adult coloring books, for example, have become popularized therapeutic tools; but, in some circumstances, it's really just meditation. To sit in one place, with a cadre of colored pencils or markers, with a goal of coloring in a predefined sketch, is to apply one's conscious attention, to a specific place, for a specific amount of time.
I haven't found meditation, at least yet, to be an, 'anxiety cure.' Though, I don't doubt, some people, in the course of engaging in meditation, may have rid themselves of the greater portion of excessive nerves. I have a **** ton of distraught nerves; but, I do find, I quite enjoy doing it, some times. It's been put to me, that meditation, at it's core, is just about observing, and taking a break from the problem solving/trouble shooting/analytical mind. And, being able to quiet that part of myself, even if only for 5 minutes out of 30 minutes spent doing so, can be enough to relieve some tension, even if only momentarily.
Many people have their teachers, gurus, masters, etc.. And, some times that is the proper course. It's probably much easier to become a good carpenter, if you have some one to teach you the way, until you reach a point you can develop your own style.
For me, some times meditation just means, taking a walk. I walk slowly, purposefully, and gently. I don't like to focus my attention on my feet, though many often suggest to do that. Rather, I like to take in sights and sounds. Then some times, I find, I just feel like sitting, right where I happen to be, and find that, most people would think it rather awkward for me to do so, so, I don't
. I'll try to find a nice place to sit, and I just watch things happen, and it can be peaceful. I worry often that others may think me queer and odd; but, I try to just stay out of busier people's ways, and keep to myself, smile, and say hi to passersby if it seems the polite course of action.
I haven't really found a very good way to alleviate anxiety, through meditation; but, I do know from experience, that, uncomfortable nervous tension, is like a finger trap. The more I try to escape it, the tighter it's grip often becomes. So, I think, at least some of the time, meditation, might help with that, not directly, but, as a side effect, of just observing, and letting what is, simply be. Some times that's tough to do, other times, not so much.