Anxiety is an emotion which many of us experience during different times in our lives. It’s normal to feel stressed before an important presentation or an exam, or even during a particularly busy or over stimulating day. However, if anxiety is a regular presence in your life, it may be good to develop some coping strategies. The following tips may help lower your anxiety levels, both in the heat of the moment and on a long-term basis.
Take it easy: Practice yoga, listen to soothing music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Taking easy and relaxing helps clear the mind and makes one feel light.
Eat well-balanced, nourishment-rich meals: Do not skip any meals. Eat well – Choose fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to meet the long-term energy needs of body. Avoid too much sugar or caffeine that give short bursts of energy but aggravate the problem of anxiety.
Get enough sleep: When feeling stressed the body needs additional sleep and rest. Adequate amount of sleep makes your mind and body feel peaceful, energized and strong enough to handle life’s ups and downs.
Breathe it out: During periods of stress and anxiety our breathing becomes short. Concentrating on breathing is a common but powerful technique for calming the nerves. Listen to the movement of your breath. Try to bring your breath and mind together. Is your mind wandering somewhere else? Call it back. Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
Realize that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as are making it? If you notice, you’ll realize that every feeling of panic comes to an end, every concern wears itself out in the end, every so-called emergency seems to disappear. Tell yourself, – This one, too, really will pass.
Exercise: Exercise daily to help feel good and maintain your health and body in best shape. Exercise sends oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can function at their best.
Do your best instead of aiming for perfection and be proud of whatever you achieve.
Try to find out what causes your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else? Write down and make a note of all those things that make your feel stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
Connect with others. Spend time with your friends or family and let them know whenever you feel overwhelmed and ask if they can help. Seek an appointment with a physician or therapist for professional help.
Think positive. An effective way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive in life. Maintain a positive outlook and allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the best that could happen.
Get involved. Volunteer or find ways to be active in your community and help others whenever possible. This creates a support network and gives you break from everyday stress.
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