Anxiety, What it is and How to Handle It

Anxiety is one of the most common struggles people have in our society. Fortunately, there is hope and treatment.

All emotions serve a purpose, and anxiety is no exception. Without anxiety, we may not be motivated to take necessary safety precautions or to work to achieve the things that we want in life. However, anxiety can go on overdrive, preventing us from living our best lives. Anxiety normally peaks before or during a stressful event and subsides as the event ends or the new situation is no longer new. However, sometimes it continues on, wreaking havoc in our day-to-day lives. Fortunately, there are ways to get anxiety out of the driver's seat and regain control over our thoughts and emotions.

Record in a journal, situations in which you are anxious. Take some time to reflect on these situations. Are they limited to specific events or a more generalized feeling of fear and worry? Identifying the source of your anxiety, you can be the first step to address it.

Recognize and Challenge Your Negative Thoughts: Anxiety is often fueled by negative thoughts and beliefs. Replace negative thoughts with more realistic ones and focus on the things that you are grateful for in your life.

Mindfulness: Focusing on the future can be anxiety-provoking, having a mindful focus on the present moment can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety. Deep breathing will help your mind and body relax, reducing feelings of anxiety.

Engage in Regular Exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine. If you can, find a workout buddy to keep you motivated.

Take Strength From Your Higher Power: Studies show that people who have strong religious beliefs have a greater resiliency, but do not take it is a failure of faith if you have this and still struggle with anxiety or other issues such as depression.

Seek Professional Help: If your anxiety is severe or if you are struggling to manage it on your own, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional such as a licensed clinical social worker. A mental health professional can help you with the tools and support you need to break free from paralyzing anxiety. The professional can also help you identify which type of anxiety you are suffering from and what the most effective treatment will be.

Anything worth doing, takes effort and time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your success in the journey.