Why is it that so many of us feel like we’re all alone when anxiety strikes? That couldn’t be farther from the truth! Approximately 45 million Americans suffer from anxiety.
Symptoms of anxiety are not limited to thoughts and emotions, though those play a large part. Thoughts and emotions can make us feel sick and anxious, but those feelings are unlikely to be related to physical illness because our minds and bodies are linked together in many ways.
The next time you feel anxious, try the following tips:
Recognize your anxiety: There’s no point in pretending you don’t feel anxious when you do. Accept that you have anxiety and trust yourself to get through it.
Don’t fight it: Deciding to “beat” anxiety only makes it worse. Acknowledge your feelings and accept yourself.
Stop blaming and judging yourself: When anxious thoughts and feelings arise, don’t take the blame. It’s simply not your fault.
Breathe deeply: One of the first things we do when we feel anxious is hold our breath or breathe shallowly. Reminding yourself to breathe, and then taking several slow, deep breaths can dispel anxiety.
Visualize calmness: Picture yourself as relaxed and comfortable, not scared and helpless.
Focus on the moment: Anxiety is usually about something that hasn’t happened yet. Staying focused on the here and now is the way to go.