We all experience anxiety at some point. For many of us this can be mild and pass when the situation is over. For many our fears can get out of proportion and overwhelm us.
Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress and is a connection between our mind and body. When stressed our body reacts by releasing hormones that create the anxious feeling and physical symptoms. Most of us are taught not to feel but to think. Our feelings can, therefore, often be suppressed and not addressed, leading to anxiety.
Acknowledge your anxiety: anxiety is not your fault. Acknowledging your feelings is a step towards feeling better
Talk to someone: talking to trusted friends or family members or finding someone else you can trust and speak to, like a coach or a health professional
Think positively: times of stress can make us less confident. When you think negative thoughts, replace them with positives. Remind yourself of your positive qualities and what is going well in your life
Get moving: if you are having anxious thoughts physical activity, like going for a walk, yoga, can help to manage stress and reduce the anxiety
Break up with caffeine: caffeine is a trigger for anxiety so best avoided or at a minimum, reduced. Likewise alcohol is a trigger.
Get enough sleep: a stressed body needs additional rest and sleep so give yourself a bedtime to ensure that you are sufficiently rested
Feel OK saying no: we can often take on too much, or things we really didn't want to and feel overwhelmed. Learn to feel say no, whether you feel comfortable to do so or not
Live in the moment: anxiety is a fear or worry about things to come. By living in the moment, you calm your mind, and are able to see things more clearly
Remind yourself it can't harm you: an anxiety attack can be frightening at its extreme. The reality is that anxiety won't harm you and will pass
For more information on managing anxiety visit Mind
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