Reducing Anxiety



Reducing Anxiety

With the amount of stress we go through in everyday life, it isn’t surprising that almost everyone will experience some form of anxiety. Although anxiety can be unpleasant, it is usually a temporary condition that, in many cases, can be effectively dealt with through a variety of simple measures. The following tips are proven for reducing the anxiety in your life:

▪ Breathing: When people get anxious, they tend to hold their breath. Breathing exercises have been shown to calm an anxious person. Try this exercise next time you feel anxious: Slowly breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth while concentrating on each breath. After a few moments of this, you should feel your anxiety level lessen.

▪ Exercise: Exercise may also help you control the symptoms of anxiety. Exercise relaxes your muscles and relieves stress. It improves your mental attitude, increases your stamina and helps you release negative feelings. To acquire these benefits, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise. Over time, exercise increases the body’s ability for dealing with stress.

▪ Attentiveness: Paying close attention to details can also reduce anxiety levels. Do one thing at a time. Notice facts. Be sure to really experience what you see, hear, smell, touch or taste. Engage in the moment you are in right now. When you are mentally and emotionally connected with a task or with a person, it is difficult to be anxious at the same time.

▪ Challenge negative thoughts: When you start to feel anxious, ask yourself, is this thought productive? Anxiety can often come from negative self-talk and other thoughts that serve no real purpose, other than to make us anxious. Learn to recognize these thoughts and give them the importance they deserve – none.

▪ Relaxing: Relaxing is a vital skill for people dealing with anxiety. Relaxation allows people to find a safe place within when feeling anxious. Contact your health care provider for suggestions about which relaxation technique is best for you.

While most anxiety can be easily treated with the steps outlined above, sometimes anxiety is a more serious condition that requires professional help. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting more than 19 million people each year. For these people, anxiety can become a frightening, disabling condition, which threatens to take over their lives.

Newsletter 10/12

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