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  • Writer's pictureLeAnn Wood

Managing Anxiety



No one enjoys feeling anxious. However, it is a natural response to stress that almost everyone feels at one time or another – but that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do about it.

Next time you are feeling uneasy or worried, follow one or more of these suggestions to ease your mind.

Get rest

Sometimes anxiety is a reaction to outside factors like a job interview or a presentation, and at other times it is your body telling you it needs some rest. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, take a nap or go to bed early – you’ll be amazed how different things look after a much-needed rest.

Meditate

Take time to relax by concentrating on your breathing. This meditative break can help slow down your thoughts and allow you to focus on something you can control in the moment. Once you feel the symptoms of anxiety begin to fade, slowly come back to the present and work through your feelings.

Stay active

Endorphins minimize discomfort and can create a sense of well-being. Getting exercise when you are feeling anxious is a great way to get your mind onto something else and has the added bonus of producing endorphins. Exercising as a remedy for anxiety works particularly well because your energy is focused on something you can control, like taking care of your body.

Eat a nutritious diet

You are what you eat.  So, if you eat poorly, you could be causing yourself some “dis-ease”. There is evidence suggesting staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet helps improve your mood. This isn’t to say that the next time you feel bad you should eat a salad, it just means that if you are feeling anxious regularly it may be related to your diet

Avoid addictive substances

When feeling anxious, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. There is evidence that suggests using these substances when anxious can over time worsen your anxiety. Take a bath, go on a walk or listen to music instead.

Give back to others

If your anxiety refuses to subside, get out and help others in need. Giving to others takes your mind off of your troubles and puts that anxious energy to good use. Plus, helping others in need is good for your soul.

Engage your senses

Drinking chamomile tea, lighting a lavender candle, or using lemon balm engages your senses and can have a calming physical effect. When used in conjunction with meditation or mindful breathing, these natural products may produce even more beneficial results.

Tying it All Together

We all get anxious now and again, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay that way for long. Next time you start to feel “out-of-sorts”, give one of these ideas a go. With some effort you can begin to recognize and address anxiety before it becomes unmanageable.

 

compliments of

Viveve Solutions

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