So far, 2020 has been a particularly turbulent year for the world. This has led to a spike in people suffering from stress and anxiety. Whether it’s the worsening of existing issues or something that’s relatively new for you, experiencing anxiety can be frightening. You feel out of control and it can affect every aspect of your life.
If anxiety is something that you’re dealing with, then here are some tips to take control of.
Realize That There Is No One Size Fits All Approach
Each person is different and will respond in different ways to various approaches and treatments. Some people swear by exercise, others use supplements, cbd oil effects are still being studied for their efficacy in treating anxiety, but are becoming more and more popular.
Learn To Recognize Patterns
Try and learn to recognize patterns around your negative thoughts. If there are particular situations or people that trigger you, then you need to either try and avoid them or try and learn some coping mechanisms.
Write Down Your Worries
Sometimes, writing down all of your thoughts and worries can help you to think them through rationally. Keep a notebook hand and try to write in it every day, even if it’s just a few sentences.
Get Some Exercise
The benefits of exercise on stress, anxiety, and depression are becoming better understood every day. In some areas, exercise is ‘prescribed’ by doctors alongside other treatments.
If you are usually very sedentary, then even a small amount of exercise could make a difference. Walking, yoga, and pilates are great gentle exercises, to begin with.
Take A Deep Breath
Breathing exercises can help center you. When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, close your eyes, and take deep breathes. Visualize yourself exhaling your problems away. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique to help.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care will mean different things to different people. Whatever form of self-care works for you is what you should be doing. This could be aromatherapy, massage, taking a bath, going on a walk.
Don’t feel guilty for taking the time to yourself. Even if you’re pressed for time, a few minutes here and there can be a great start.
Practice Mindfulness
People experiencing anxiety often find it difficult to stay in the present, instead, they focus worrying about the future or are replaying the past. Mindfulness can force you to bring yourself into the present and think about how you are feeling and what you are experiencing.
There are lots of helpful resources to help you, including books, apps and podcasts.
Know When To Talk To Someone
Knowing when you need help is a big part of dealing with anxiety. For some people, sharing a problem with someone is enough to release the mental pressure. Other people would benefit from a more formal form of talking therapy. There are many ways to get this, from traditional therapy to new, on-demand private therapy that you can access via an app.
