If you feel constantly worried, nervous, or uneasy, you could be living with anxiety. It’s believed that many people in the world suffer from this mental disorder, however, not many people are open to talking about it. Times are changing, though, and nowadays people are becoming much more understanding when it comes to mental health. Anxiety, depression, bipolar, the list goes on. Therefore, if you’re fighting your anxiety and looking for ways to deal with or overcome it, consider the following.
1. Realize When You’re Panicking
It’s crucial you take a step back when you’re feeling anxiety symptoms. For example, you might experience a racing heartbeat, mental confusion, and facial flushing; you may also be prone to shouting, acting unreasonably, or saying the first thoughts that come into your head without considering the consequences. If you can spot the telltale signs, then you can find ways to counter these feelings of anxiety. What’s more, you may be able to determine what triggered your latest anxiety attack.
2. Take Deep Breaths
Deep breathing can also be an effective way to combat anxiety symptoms, as it will help to calm both your mind and body. It can also burn away your adrenaline caused by the panic. So, slow down, count to ten, and breathe deeply. If you need help on how to do these breathing exercises, then there are many guides online.
3. Identify the Cause of Your Fear
Shake off the fear by identifying what it is you’re afraid of. Unless you’re in immediate danger, the fear consuming your life probably isn’t as bad as you first thought. Discover the root of your anxiety by writing a list of what you are afraid of, so you can start to think clearly and rationally.
4. Categorize Your Worries
Once you have written a list of your anxiety triggers, you should categorize all your worries into two lists. The first list should be problems you can change, and the other should be problems you cannot resolve yourself and should actively avoid. You should then take the steps to make the necessary changes you can make, and strive to let go of any issues you cannot alter, so you will feel more in control of your life and can eliminate fear.
5. Talk to a Counsellor
If anxiety is consuming every aspect of your daily life, you should not suffer in silence. Book an appointment with a fully-trained counsellor, so that you can express your emotions in a non-judgmental, confidential space. Everyone will need emotional help and support at some point in their lives, so there is no shame in turning to a qualified professional to improve your mental health. Find a counsellor today at the National Counselling Society.
6. Change How You View Failure
If your anxiety stems from a fear of failure, you should try to flip it on its head. Changing your mindset can change your life, so view a failed attempt as one step closer towards success. Positivity is key when trying to live a worry-free life, however, when training your pessimism into becoming optimism, this takes time. Be patient, and never give up.
7. Enjoy Plenty of Sleep
Do you struggle to enjoy a good night’s sleep each night? Sleep deprivation can potentially compromise on a person’s decision-making skills. As a result, you might become more emotionally vulnerable and are more likely to develop anxiety symptoms.
8. Take a Break from an Anxious Environment
Whenever you find yourself in an anxious situation, you should give yourself a much-needed break. Take a step back from a negative environment to grab a drink of water, take a walk in the great outdoors, and stretch your legs.
