Happy Friday! Today I want to discuss an important issue in America and that is anxiety. This is very near and dear to my heart because I personally deal with anxiety. I have dealt with it since my childhood. I know many people can relate. If you need some tips on coping with anxiety, keep reading. This is helpful for you or your loved ones.

how to deal with anxiety

Anxiety is something that you deal with it’s not who you are. Anxiety can affect your mind. It can also impact your body. Effects include uncontrollable panic attacks, headaches, dizziness, full body shaking, and sweating. No matter what symptoms you experience, remember that anxiety and its effects do not define your authentic self.

Although anxiety is the most common mental health issue unfortunately, there still seems to be a stigma linked to it. Just because a person lives with an anxiety disorder, it doesn’t mean they feel its effects constantly. Anxiety attacks can come out of the blue. Many of us have triggers. There’s no set time for each attack. Everyone’s anxiety is different. Learning effective techniques can help decrease the duration of an anxiety attack.

Anxiety disorders are a mental illness based on fears. Of course, feeling some anxiety from time to time happens to everyone. It’s when excessive anxiety takes over your daily thoughts and activities that an anxiety disorder develops. With treatment you can lead a productive life where your anxiety isn’t controlling you.

If you feel your heart beginning to beat faster, your breathing can become shallow. Sweat will build on your hands or forehead. That’s anxiety, a response to stress. Here’s some ways to help you take control of your mind and body.

Practice focused deep breathing

Take deep breath in and deep breaths out for four counts of each. Do this for at least five minutes. This can even out your breathing, slow your heart rate, and help to calm you down.

Go for a walk or do yoga

Sometimes it’s beneficial to walk away from the situation that is making you anxious. Take a fifteen-minute walk and focus just on calming your mind. Yoga is a great way to calm your mind and body as it lets you focus on both.

Write down your thoughts

Journaling helps to get those anxious thoughts out of your head. Putting them onto paper can make them seem a little less daunting.

Use aromatherapy

Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood can be very soothing.

Pay attention to the good things

Focus your thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive in your life. Find appreciation for the small everyday bright spots in life. Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine all the best things that will happen.

Living with anxiety doesn’t have to be a life sentence and you are not alone. By taking a proactive role in your mental health, you can lead a productive and successful life.

If you deal with anxiety, please let me know some coping tips in the comments.

–Chantel Keona