Ten Ways to Deal with Anxiety
1. Breath
Breathing during panic attacks can do two things. First, it will allow the mind to focus on something else. Secondly, it will calm us down. By focusing on breath during times of panic, we are certain to find some peace. So, next time you feel like freaking out, take some deep breaths. Close your eyes (if it’s safe to do so) and breath in, hold it for 5 seconds, and breath out. Repeat this process until you are relaxed.
2. Count
Not to be confused with the compulsive counting in OCD, but a simple ten to fifteen count. Again, the idea is that our mind will take its focus off of the unrealistic fear and focus on completing the simple task of counting.
3. Laugh at it
When we are in the midst of anxiety we are consumed by fear and worry. What is great medicine for that? Laughter. And what’s better to laugh at than ourselves? When we look at our fears retrospectively, we can identify how absurd they are. And we can laugh at ourselves. The knowledge that we are all a bit crazy is cool, but to laugh it away is even better.
4. Exercise
Exercise is a beautiful thing. We see that when we are in a state of anxiety, we cannot usually drop everything and go to the gym. But exercise will help us generally avoid these anxious states. Because when we exercise a myriad of benefits accompany us. We feel better overall. We look better. We have more confidence. We tend to see progress and that progress flows into other areas of our life. Like having less anxiety…
5. Eat Better
Eating better food independently is not some secret magical cure for anxiety (and especially not for depression). But eating well and doing everything else will absolutely help our anxiety. Now, following the previous recommendation, eating better is something that is transmittable into most areas of our life. With the proper nutrients we feel better. When we feel better, we have better thoughts. When we have better thoughts we have less anxiety. Make sense now?
6. Limit Caffeine
Caffeine is awesome. Don’t get it twisted. But, too much caffeine can be detrimental to our mental well being. Not only does caffeine produce awesome feelings, like energy and focus, it also causes jitters and can produce panic attacks.
7. Talk to Someone
This doesn’t mean talking to someone professionally. This means talking to someone we know. A friend, spouse, lover, confidant or neighbor. We don’t even need to talk about our problems. In fact, that’s probably the last thing we need to discuss. Ask them about their lives. Get deep into conversation and forget about the small problems.
8. Get Out of Yourself
Probably the most important advice to changing the way we feel, getting out of yourself is huge. This is not a limited recommendation. Meaning, getting out of yourself isn’t exclusive to one solution. It can be pushing carts back into place at the supermarket. Or holding the door open for people at the mall. Maybe even finding trash around your neighborhood and picking it up. Donating Clothes. Perhaps finding a charity to get involved with. Whatever. It doesn’t matter specifically. As long as we find something to get out of our heads, we will be safe.
9. Get New Hobbies
Finding new hobbies is a good start to avoiding a life of social isolation. Especially to those who are extremely isolated to begin with. We do not simply become less anxious. We must put in action to change. Finding new hobbies, groups and new friends will limit our isolation and create new skills.
10. Explore
Following the basic premise of “getting out of yourself”, exploring is part external and part internal. Yes, get out of your head and find some cool shit to do. But, we must also look at ourselves. What causes this anxiety? Why do I feel this way about myself and certain situations? Once we fully submit to anxiety we have a fresh start to solution.
Dealing with Anxiety Professionally
Sometimes we need professional help. And that’s okay. But when do we know we need to reach out? And how do we do so?
When It’s Time to Reach Out
There is never a bad time to reach out for professional help. But in terms of necessity, here are some clues as to when to reach out:
- Life Becomes Unmanageable
If functioning normally becomes an issue, it’s time to reach out for help. If you are missing work, avoiding mandatory events or losing sleep, it’s clearly time to find some professional assistance.
- Obsessing Thoughts
Spending countless hours thinking about your anxiety is a terrible way to live. When we have a healthy life, we do not get consumed by our fears.
- Relationship Failure
We know we have reached a limit when our relationships begin to fail because of our anxiety. Usually the things around us will tell us more about our problems then our mind will…
Help for Anxiety
Individual therapy can be extremely beneficial. When we are searching for the facts on anxiety, and the solutions required, we may find them at individual counseling. Reaching out can be as easy as you make it. Simply submit a submission form (Seen at the bottom of the page) and we can help. If you want to look elsewhere, Psychology Today has about a million counselors listed.
Group therapy can also be helpful. Group is unique to individual therapy by its collective approach. This approach is great for people wanting to connect with a private group of peers. All you need to do to find a group therapy program near you is call us or submit an online form.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, please reach out to us. We don’t charge to listen. The first step to change is action.