Ways to Deal With Anxiety

Everyone has feelings of anxiety, nervousness, tension, and stress from time to time.

Here are few simple and practical ways to help manage them.

When anxiety or worry feels extreme, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. For someone who has an anxiety disorder, getting proper care from a heath professional is important.

We all think we know how to relax. But chilling out in front of the TV set or computer isn't true relaxation. (Depending on what you're watching or doing, it could even make you more tense.The same is true for alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.

They may seem to let off anxiety or stress, but it's a false state of relaxation that's only momentary.

What the body really needs is a relaxation technique like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga that indeed has a physical effect on the mind. For example, deep breathing helps to relax a major nerve that runs from the diaphragm to the brain, sending a message to the entire body to let go and loosen up.

Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life's ups and downs?

Get the right amount of sleep - not too much or too little. Eat well: Choose fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for long-term energy (instead of the short bursts that come from too much sugar or caffeine). Exercise to send oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can operate at their best.

Spend time with co-workers, personal friends, family or perhaps going to church on Sundays. Connect and stay connected with people.
Organized activities are great, but just hanging out works too. Doing things with those we feel close to deepens our bonds, allowing us to feel supported and secure.

If you feel worried or nervous about something, talking about it with someone who listens and cares can help you feel more understood and better able to contend. You'll be reminded that everyone has these feelings sometimes. You're not the only one and you are not alone.

Connect with nature. Heading out for a walk in the park or a hike in the woods can help anyone feel peaceful and grounded. (Choose somewhere you feel safe so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.) Walking, hiking, trail biking, or snowshoeing offer the additional benefit of exercise. Invite a friend or two, a family member along and enjoy feeling connected to people as in general well.

Think positive. A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, constructive and positive.

Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the all best things that could happen.