Anxiety and stress, are talked about throughout our modern society and are often contentious topics of conversation. Most people think the two conditions are interchangeable. They are actually two sides of the same coin. Stress is a physical response to a stimulus while anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress.
An anxious life can be complex and uncomfortable, even dysfunctional. Luckily, there is help. Most communities have resources. Public health professionals, school councilors, employee wellness departments and your family doctor are all good sources of support. If your anxiety is not overly severe you can lean on friends and family to help you through the issues. More severe anxiety however needs the intervention of professionals trained in the tools and techniques that can alleviate the condition. Perhaps the most important thing to understand about anxiety, severe or otherwise, is that being anxious is not a choice. Anxiety is a physical response and it is unlikely that you can just decide to not be anxious. Dealing with this issue is not something you can, or should feel you can do on your own. Talking to someone you trust about your situation is the first, perhaps most important step towards relief. Don’t be embarrassed to go to your doctor, alternative health practitioner, family member or friend for support. You are not alone. All of us have been overcome by anxiety at one point or another. There are tools that you can use in your daily life to relieve your anxiety to some degree.
Try these when you're feeling anxious
Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, or learn relaxation techniques.
Limit alcohol and caffeine.
Get enough sleep. When anxious, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
Breathing techniques. Focus on your breathing, taking slow breaths in and out.
Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of what you do achieve.
Accept that you cannot control everything.
Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a very long way.
Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify?
Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Exercise daily. It doesn’t have to be extreme. A calming walk can work wonders.
Consider alternative health practitioners. Reiki, Biofield Tuning and/or EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) can help
Biofield Tuning is a therapeutic method that makes use of the frequencies produced by tuning forks to detect and correct distortions and imbalances within the electromagnetic energy field, or biofield, that surrounds the human body. It takes the "noise" out of your signal leaving you feeling calm and less reactive to stress and anxiety.
Hopefully, some of these techniques can assist in overcoming your anxiety. No matter what, remember, you are not alone. There is always hope.