Effective Ways To Deal With Anxiety

Written By: Shannon

There is no denying it. Our high-pressure society can have a serious affect on our overall health and well being. Everything these days is go-go-go. Emails require an immediate response. Turnaround times are shorter and shorter. Free time is a rare and infrequent occurrence. No wonder anxiety is on the rise. Today, more than 40 million Americans suffer from an anxiety related disorder. (That is a whopping 18% of the population.) Anxiety can make even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. It puts stress and strain on the body and is mentally fatiguing. So how can you deal with anxiety? Here are a few tried and tested methods. Before long? Your anxiety will become far more manageable?

Take Good Care Of Your Body. It can be difficult to make good choices on a regular basis. There is temptation all around us to eat unhealthy food and overload our schedules. That can wreak havoc on the body. When you are physically exhausted (from a diet that lacks essential nutrients, overexertion, or lack of sleep) it is much harder to deal with feelings of anxiety. The smallest bump in the road suddenly seems like a pothole. So the best way to start dealing with anxiety? Make changes to your daily habits. Go to bed a half hour earlier at night. Say no if your schedule is too full. Eat a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. In just a few short days, you will start to notice the difference.

Find a Place That Soothes You. The thing about anxiety? It can hit at any moment. You ever know when it will affect you - or how severely. Which is why it is important to have a place to escape. This can be a physical place (like a room in your home) or a place that you envision (like a beach with soft waves lapping the shore). It could even be a happy memory that makes you feel safe. The whole idea is to find places that bring you peace and serenity. When you start to feel anxious? Go to this place - or picture it in your mind - and breathe deeply. Focus on what you see. Maybe there is a scented candle on the table, a picture frame on the mantle, or a tall pine tree just outside. Focus on these images and allow them to soothe you. That unwanted anxiety will fade bit by bit.

Take (Or Write) Out Your Feelings. Anxiety can come from many places. Often it is a products of our minds. We over thing, we worry, and are afraid of the unknown. Those feelings can turn manageable situations into anxiety ridden moments. One ultra effective way to deal with it? Talk or write it out. If there is a friend or family member that you trust... tell them how you feel. Right down to the very last detail. Or you can put paper to pen. The key is to express yourself and start to understand your feelings. This can help you let go of that anxiety. Sometimes all you need is a bit of perspective!