Anxiety is often described as the inner turmoil that you feel emotionally, including feelings of dread and the anticipation of events. It has become a very common struggle in society. While the prevalence of it is not positive, it does, however, mean that the help and support available has also increased.
If you are struggling with anxiety, it is important that you know you don’t have to struggle alone, and there is a wealth of support and information that you can leverage to support you on this journey. Here are some of the most important things to consider.
#1 Understand anxiety
By first understanding anxiety and what is happening in your mind and body, you can take the first and most important step of acceptance. When you can learn to accept what is going on with you rather than fully resist it or sit in the belief that you are broken, you can take proactive steps to seeking the right kind of support. Everyone is different and will need something different.
Anxiety is a normal response to a perceived threat.
#2 In-the-moment strategies
Anxiety can be scary, so it can be helpful to know some in-the-moment strategies you can use when things get a little overwhelming. Some of the best and most common techniques used are breathing techniques, grounding techniques, and challenging negative thoughts with cognitive restructuring and finding evidence to contradict your racing thoughts.
#3 Lifestyle adjustments
It is important to consider what is triggering your anxiety and how your lifestyle may be impacting your anxiety. There may be things that you need to change or swap out, or it may be the case that you need to incorporate strategies to support your anxiety long term. Exercising regularly is a great place to start; this can help improve your sleep and reduce anxiety. When you are anxious, there is also a lot of energy that needs discharging. Exercise is a great way to do this. A lack of quality and quantity of sleep can increase your anxiety and make coping with difficult feelings more challenging. Aim to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, with a consistent routine. A healthy diet can help you create stable energy levels and support the functioning of your physical body and mental well-being. Remember to not overwhelm your schedule, limit screen time, and take regular breaks.
#4 Seek professional support
There are many things you can do day-to-day to help yourself. But you should also consider the kind of support you can receive from a professional. For some, a doctor is the best person to go to, so they can help you implement strategies and offer you additional support, such as medication or a medical marijuana prescription. They can point you to self-help resources and relaxation techniques. Some people find it very helpful to visit a therapist, who can help get to the root of the anxiety and implement long-term strategies.
Anxiety can be a challenge. Follow these top tips to help and support yourself on this journey.
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