Overcoming Anxiety
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5 Tips to Help Anxiety Suffers Cope
You constantly feel anxious, have anxious thoughts, play the “what-if card” with life often, and can’t stay focused on today without worrying about something tied to some future event. If this sounds like you, you’re likely mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted. You may also be feeling depressed because of your anxiety. Additional symptoms could include trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, over eating or not eating enough, as well as feeling unmotivated or unable to concentrate on things you may have once enjoyed or completed with little to no difficulty. Anxiety coupled with depression can increase the likelihood of isolation from others, which therefore, can negatively reinforce your negative emotions, making it harder to break the cycle and form new, healthier habits.
Anxiety can be generalized, or it can be tied to a specific area of one’s life, such as work, finances, family, relationships, etc.
Anxiety can definitely be treated, but not without an extreme desire and willingness to change from the sufferer.
5 TIPS TO HELP YOU OVERCOME ANXIETY:
Say No To Labels
Don’t use anxiety as a label. Believe that anxiety is truly something that can be overcome, and repeat words of encouragement to yourself, such as, “I will beat this!”, “I will not let anxiety get in the way of me living a happier life!”, “I can do this!”. Have hope that things can and will change through your dedication. The worst thing you can do is use anxiety as an excuse. You have to fight through it in order for you to truly move past it.
Not Every Thought and Feeling is Rooted in Truth!
Just because you thought it or felt it, doesn’t mean that thought and feeling should always be analyzed, dissected and believed. Thoughts and feelings can happen randomly at any time of day, but we have the power to let them pass. Remember that you are in the driver seat of your mind, you’re in control. Unfortunately, many of us have this notion in reverse.
Breathing/Mindfulness
When you feel like you are in too deep with your racing thoughts, and you can’t seem to stop from experiencing the behavioral responses of anxiety, whether it be a racing heart, stomach pain, feeling weak, headaches, etc. You must remember to BREATHE. There are many apps to assist with this. Easiest thing to do is attempt the 4-7-8 technique; breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, and then exhale for 8 counts, or as long as you can. Do this over and over until you’ve reached a sense of calm. Mindfulness is very popular psychological process that encompasses staying in the present. In session, we go over both types of coping mechanisms through the use of exercises in order to better assist with being in the moment.
Remember Self-Care
Eat a balanced diet
Stay active/exercise
Drink plenty of water
Be in nature when possible
Surround yourself with supportive and loving people
Do things that bring you joy or satisfaction
Believe in something greater than yourself
Don’t Give Up
Creating new ways of thinking is EXTREMELY hard, but it can be done. Be patient with yourself, and with the process. Give yourself grace, be kind to yourself, and be proud of yourself for simply not accepting that anxiety is part of you, because it’s not! Be hopeful but be prepared to fight. You can do this!