Ways to Manage Anxiety
We often worry when faced with stressful situations in different areas of our lives such as finances, work or relationships. However, if worries become excessive and irrational for an extended period of time, then you may be suffering from anxiety, which can feel like it is hard to manage.
Although most people experience a relatively mild form of anxiety when facing particularly stressful situations (such as a public speaking or presentations) anxiety can be so severe that it disrupts you going about your daily life in a calm, controlled way. Often, people choose to avoid situations that may, in turn raise their stress levels.
People often experience physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms when they feel anxious or stressed such as an increased heart rate, difficulty in breathing, feeling sick, hot flushes, and increased palpitations. Some of the most common psychological symptoms (the thoughts or altered perceptions we have) of anxiety are: Feeling that people are looking at you and observing your anxiety; Feeling as though things are speeding up/slowing down; Feeling like wanting to run away/escape from the situation; Feeling on edge and alert to everything around you.
Thankfully, there are ways you can access help so you can manage anxiety effectively.
To help you cope, here are some practical ways to help.
Understand the causes
Firstly, you have to identify what prompts your anxiety. Some people find certain situations trigger attacks whilst others have uncontrollable thoughts. Whatever it is you’re dealing with, it is important to understand the cause. Log the symptoms you experience and note what triggers them. What do you normally feel when these things happen? Once you understand the triggers, you’ll eventually learn how to cope with them.
Accept that there are things you can’t control
You have to accept the fact that you have no control over certain things happening in your life. Learn to let go of these and move forward. Put your energy in things that you can control like your effort and attitude. This way, you’ll be more effective in handling your situation.
Develop coping mechanisms
When you’re having anxiety attacks, there are some techniques that you can do to calm yourself down. Practice breathing and relaxation techniques. Breathe through your nose slowly and exhale through your mouth while relaxing your face, shoulders and stomach. You can use calming visualisations as well to ease your anxiousness.
Seek help
When dealing with anxiety, bring in a support system to help you. Try talking to your family or friends. The people in your support network can listen and offer comfort. You can also seek professional help to support you as you work on managing anxiety. Contact your GP for guidance, learn more about anxiety at https://annettesloly.com/stress-vs-anxiety-difference/ https://annettesloly.com/what-is-anxiety/ https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/ and the many types of therapies that can help you, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Clinical Hypnotherapy, Acupuncture and Counselling.
Annette Sloly is a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Clifton Bristol. Over the years, she has helped people develop their quality of life and mental and physical well-being. She has worked with everyone from professionals suffering from stress to world-class artists looking to improve their performance. Please email hello@annettesloly.com or call 0117 214 0706 to make an appointment. Read about the sessions she offers, as well as recent testimonials and blog posts.
