Dealing with anxiety is exhausting. Not just the occasional anxiety you get before an exam or public speaking, although that can take its own toll. We’re talking about the many people (approximately 3.3 million American adults) who suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder both involve unrealistic and extreme worrying and nervousness. The best way to describe having an anxiety disorder is by giving an example: You know that feeling you get after you send a risky text or that sudden jump in your chest when you lean too far back in your chair? It’s like that–except all the time. Sometimes you just wake up, and that’s how you feel that day. The worst part is there’s almost nothing you can do to get rid of that feeling. However, it is possible to ease yourself and cope until the feeling subsides. Here are a couple of ways to combat your anxiety:
*Disclaimer: We are not licensed to give advice, especially with mental illness. The author is just someone who has experience dealing with anxiety and these are methods that have helped her a lot. Her hope is that she can also help someone else who has the same issues.
Breathe.
We know. This tip is so cliché and overused, but that’s only because it really does help. Allow yourself to take a moment and focus on an object in front of you. Only think about that object. People will say to “not think” about anything; however, anyone with anxiety will tell you that is much easier said than done. Now for the breathing part – Breathe in slowly and deeply from your belly, hold your breath for however long feels comfortable, and then exhale through your mouth. Continue to inhale, hold, and exhale until you calm down.
Drink water.
Your body has a tendency to get anxious when it needs something. Maybe you haven’t gotten enough sleep, haven’t eaten enough, or drank enough water. Out of those three, drinking water is the easiest and quickest way to replenish. Hardly enough people drink a sufficient amount of water to keep hydrated so your anxiety might be your body telling you to take care of yourself. The body loves water so make sure it gets some.
Limit your caffeine intake.
Drop that cup of coffee; the caffeine can trigger symptoms of anxiety. Instead, make your self a caffeine-free cup of tea like chamomile or peppermint tea. Or hot chocolate, with marshmallows of course!
Personify your anxiety.
This is probably the oddest tip, but here it goes… Give your anxiety a character. They are not a bad character or an evil one. If you imagine your anxiety in that light, you will only fuel your frustration. Imagine your character as a friend. A friendly face that has been hanging around you too much and they are getting annoying. In your head say, “Hey, I need you to go away now. You’re bothering me.” As odd as it sounds, talk to your anxiety. It is commonly known that just willing your anxiety away won’t make it go away. However, keeping calm and “speaking” to your anxiety like a friend might ease you.
Remember you are not your anxiety.
Don’t let your anxiety define you. It’s hard because anxiety can hinder your ability to live your life to the fullest. You are better than your anxiety. Learning to cope can be a difficult process and at times it seems futile to even try. However, remember that this is not who you are and that you are capable of so much.
Hopefully these tips help you in your journey through everyday life.
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