Anxiety is one of those things that can take a hold of you when you least expect it. Many of us will experience some form of anxiety in our lifetimes. However, it can affect some people more so than others. They may show mild symptoms but still manage to function. Or some people may have symptoms that affect them in a more severe way which stops them from living their life or doing things.
The truth is, anxiety can cripple your mind both physically and mentally and it can often feel very difficult to take back control in how you feel, what you think, and how you act. But anxiety doesn’t need to be your be-all and end-all. Quite the opposite.
A lot of people who experience anxiety can function day to day, even when they have extreme cases of it. This is because anxiety tends to come in waves. You can have attacks where you feel like there is no way out, and then find some calm after the storm. It is all-consuming and is never the same experience for everyone. How you take back control is similar though, and there are few different things that you can try that could work to help. With that in mind, here are some
Mindset
Your mind is a powerful tool. When used correctly it can do great things, but when used in a negative way it can cripple you. A positive mindset is a great way to overcome some of the physical and mental attributes of anxiety. You can feel sick, shake, and worry about what is going to happen next.
Turning those negative feelings into something positive is a great way to turn the situation around. It may feel like it is impossible at first, but try and be consistent and stick with it. A positive environment is one way of sticking with this, so try and surround yourself with people that have a good effect on you.
Another way to focus more on your mindset is to practice gratitude. Even in anxious situations try and seek out things and people you are thankful for. For example, if you are feeling anxious about a work deadline, try and feel thankful for the opportunity, for the work, for your clients or the people you work with. It can help to calm your mind a little.
Drink more water
It may sound really simple, but staying hydrated and drinking more water can be a great way to help you feel better. Water can give you more energy, improve your mood generally, and even help you to get better quality sleep. These might be small things, but combine them together can help you to feel happier, healthier, and in a better place.
When you are anxious it might be easier to turn to quick fixes but avoiding things like alcohol, caffeine and junk food will help you to feel better. Whereas those things will give you a short-term relief or feeling.
Consider your diet
Another way to help yourself feel better is to consider your diet. If you nourish your body with good things, you will reap the rewards of that through increased energy levels, glowing skin, and improved mood.
Sometimes when you are anxious or struggling, you want a quick fix and this is usually junk or sugar ladened foods to give you that instant boost. But it is never long-lasting and can make you feel worse in the long term.
While an apple or healthy meal will not fix an anxiety attack, a consistent balanced diet overall will help you to feel more in control of your feelings, physically and mentally.
Alternative methods
We all know some of the common things we can do, but what about alternative methods that might be more suitable. There are essential oils that can relax you, and herbal remedies that you can use to help you calm your senses.
You could also try things like reiki and counselling if you want to try and work through the issues. Often talking about your anxiety, the triggers, and what might be making you feel this way can help you to find tools that will overcome intrusive thoughts that overcome you during a period of anxiety.
Finding things that calm you, whether that is essential oils, museums in London or talking things through can keep you grounded will be key to helping you stay in control of your anxiety when it strikes.
Consider meditation
Focusing on your breath and mind is a great way to alleviate some of the big symptoms of anxiety. Meditation is one way to do that. If you can find yourself in a quiet spot with little distraction and do this for ten minutes each day, you should see some real improvement. It’s about focusing on your mind and emptying it of negativity.
Paying close attention to your breath. Anyone who hasn’t even tried meditation before can give it a go. There are plenty of step-by-step guides online to help you get started. If you struggle with it you can even try guided meditation that talks you through a session so that you can make the most of the time.
Exercise
Exercising each day is another great way to combat the main symptoms of anxiety. This may be difficult though if you struggle to leave the house. But exercise can be taken indoors as well. You could consider doing workouts in your living room or using daily objects to help exercise.
A great tip is to run up and down the stairs several times or dance around your kitchen to upbeat songs. Exercise can take many forms. Once you feel confident, you may want to consider running. Many people express the joy that running gives them as a great way to clear their minds. Start small if you haven’t exercised in a while and build up gradually.
Let’s hope that some of the options shared above will help you to take back control when experiencing anxiety. Don’t forget to sort your finances out too as this can be such a source of anxiety unnecessarily.
