10 Tips to Help Manage Anxiety

While there is definite overlap between stress and anxiety, the two emotions come from two different places.

David Spiegel, Stanford University’s associate chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, says that with stress, we know what’s worrying us but with anxiety we become less aware of what we are anxious about and we start to feel anxious about being anxious.

However, stress and anxiety can both trigger rapid breathing and muscle tension, sometimes anxiety turns into a panic attack, which brings about more severe symptoms, including chills, headaches, hot flashes and chest pains. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States or about 18% of the population. Although anxiety is highly treatable only about a third of those suffering receive treatment. Here are ten tips to help manage anxiety.

1
Take a Time-Out
When we feel anxious its best to try activities such as Practicing yoga, listening to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear our minds.
2
Eat Well-Balanced Meals
It's important for many reasons to not skip any meals. Also keep energy-boosting snacks on hand.
3
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
When consumed too often, alcohol and caffeine can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
4
Get Enough Sleep
It is important to make sure we are getting enough sleep because when stressed, our body needs additional sleep and rest.
5
Exercise Daily
In order to help feel good and maintain good health it’s important that we exercise daily and stay active to keep our mind clear.
6
Take Deep Breaths
When feeling stressed or nervous it is always a good idea to take a step back and Inhale and exhale slowly.
7
Have A Laugh
A good laugh every now and then can go a long way. Do something every day that makes you laugh or feel good.
8
Get Involved
It sometimes helps to volunteer or find another way to be active in our local community, which can create a support network and gives us a break from everyday stress. Staying connected to friends and having a purpose can help diminish anxiety.
9
Learn What Triggers Your Anxiety
Sometimes what causes our anxiety is Is work, family, school, or something else we can identify? It sometimes can help to write in a journal when we feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
10
Do Your Best
Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, we should be proud of however close we get.

Source: 10 Tips to Help Manage Anxiety

Categories: Health Update