2023: The Year To Manage Your Anxiety
Managing anxiety can be challenging. It’s a constant battle of thoughts and feelings that can come at you from all angles. Your anxiety might make itself known when you’re faced with something new or unfamiliar, but it’s also possible to feel anxious about things you see as normal. That’s because when you have an anxiety disorder like social anxiety, generalized anxiety or another related mental health condition like depression or OCD, your brain is constantly trying to warn you of potential dangers. Even negative thoughts can feel like dangerous threats if they come from the same source. That’s why it’s so important to learn with your Edmonton psychologists how to manage your anxiety effectively and reduce its impact on your life – in other words, stay calm rather than react rashly.
Stay informed
When you have anxiety, you might notice that you’re always checking the door or looking over your shoulder. You might also try to avoid people or situations that make you anxious. While these behaviours are a coping mechanism and can help you get through the day, they’re not helpful long-term. That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed about what’s happening in your life and to learn about anxiety and anxiety disorders. There are many sources of information, from organizations and websites to books, videos and podcasts. It can be helpful to find a preferred resource and build a mental library so you always know where to turn for information. This can also include the people in your life who care about you and want to support you.
Breathe. Don’t hold your breath.
One simple way to manage your anxiety is to take deep breaths. This may sound silly, but it’s an important step in reducing anxiety. The next time you feel anxious, try pausing and taking a few deep breaths. You can even do this while you’re doing something else. This will help you to slow down your brain and subdue your anxious thoughts. It’s important to note that you don’t have to try to figure out what to do or think about. If you’re trying to distract yourself while you breathe, you’re probably only making your anxiety worse. Rather than trying to think of something else, try to focus on your breathing. Observe the sensation in your chest as you inhale and exhale slowly. This can help you to quiet your anxious thoughts. You don’t have to be relaxed or at ease to take advantage of this technique. You can even try to use this breathing technique when you have a panic attack to help you to calm down.
Talk it out with your Edmonton psychologists
If you’re struggling with anxiety, it can be helpful to talk it out with a trusted friend or family member. It might help to write down what you’re struggling with so you don’t forget any of the details. You can also try to identify your feelings and address the source of your anxiety, whether it’s a person, situation or thought. It’s also helpful to share your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through. You might be surprised at how many people struggle with anxiety and might be able to relate to your experiences.
Exercise helps too!
Exercise is a powerful way to reduce anxiety and manage stress. It’s important to find a form of physical activity that you enjoy, one that helps you to relieve stress and relax. Exercising with a group might help you to make friends and feel less lonely. Some people find it helpful to join a fitness class or a group exercise event that focuses on teamwork or group activities.
Stop ruminating and learn to respond differently
If you find yourself constantly worrying about the future or feeling anxious as you try to get things done, it can be helpful to step back and reassess your situation. Ask yourself if there’s anything you can do to make things a little easier. You might find it helpful to make a plan for how you’d like to approach your problems. If you find yourself plagued by negative thoughts and questions like “What if I fail?” or “What if I mess up?”, try to replace them with positive ones.
Conclusion
Managing your anxiety requires attention to your thoughts and feelings. You can’t just avoid anxiety-provoking situations. Yet it’s also important to recognize and normalize your anxiety so you can better cope with it. That means it’s important to learn about anxiety. It’s also helpful to get support from family members, friends and mental health professionals. And finally, it’s essential to practice being mindful with your anxiety.
Your therapy is a safe, welcoming, counseling practice offering confidential mental health assessment and psychologist treatment in Edmonton. We hope this article brought to you by your trusted Edmonton psychologists is helpful. As always, please feel free to reach out with questions about mental wellness and therapy in Edmonton.
