Overcoming Anxiety

by @poeticheart

locked within a vice 
anxiety grips again 
how can I escape

Anxiety is a common experience that affects people from all walks of life. It can be described as a feeling of unease, worry, or fear about a situation or event that is yet to happen. Anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, such as work stress, relationship problems, financial troubles, or health concerns.

While some level of anxiety is normal and can even be beneficial in certain situations, excessive anxiety can be debilitating and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can be used to overcome anxiety and regain control of one’s thoughts and emotions. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective ways to overcome anxiety.

Identify the triggers

The first step in overcoming anxiety is to identify the triggers that cause it. This involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations when you start to feel anxious. Once you have identified the triggers, you can work on avoiding or managing them.

Practice relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation, can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to practice these techniques. Most relaxation techniques can be performed anywhere, so they are very effective.

Exercise regularly

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also boost your mood and improve your overall health. Exercising in a natural environment (yoga at the beach, bush walk, etc) can be more effective than exercising in a gym for reducing anxiety. A busy environment can trigger stress. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, biking, or swimming, each day. Yoga and tai chi are both excellent forms of low impact exercise that also help as relaxation techniques.

Consider exercising with a friend. Exercising with a friend can provide numerous benefits, including increased motivation, improved enjoyment, better performance, a stronger social life, reduced stress and anxiety, and greater variety and creativity in your workouts. It also sometimes gives you time to share your stresses and concerns.

Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep can increase anxiety and make it harder to manage. Make sure you are getting enough sleep each night. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night and try to establish a regular sleep routine.

Regularly eat healthy, nutritious food

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall health, as it gives your body what it needs to function most effectively. Make sure you are eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, caffeine, and processed ingredients.

Seek professional help

If your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, consider seeking professional help. A mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can help you develop strategies to manage your anxiety and improve your quality of life.

Practice self-care

Taking care of yourself is essential when it comes to managing anxiety. Make sure you are taking time each day to do things you enjoy, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or spending time with loved ones.

Remember that anxiety is a common experience

As much as it doesn’t feel like it, anxiety is a common human experience that can be managed with the right strategies. It is not something you need to face alone. By identifying your triggers, practicing relaxation techniques, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, seeking professional help, and practicing self-care, you can overcome anxiety and live a happy, healthy life. Remember that everyone’s journey is different, and it’s okay to seek help if you need it. You do not need to walk alone.

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2 responses to “Overcoming Anxiety”

Lori says:

March 11, 2023 at 1:19 am

I know that for some, when the boulder of anxiety starts rolling down the hill, it’s difficult to stop it in its tracks. That’s when the seeking professional help part is important. Thank you for sharing these tips.

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- poeticheart says:
  
  March 11, 2023 at 8:38 am
  
  Thanks so much for your thoughts, Lori. I agree with you on this. We get into such a spiral when we try to cope with everything by ourselves. From experience, seeking help from someone who’s been there is so valuable (even if you don’t end up following any of their suggestions 😆) as it opens you up to more ways to cope. 🙏
  
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