Anxiety may cause nervousness or agitation about something that is about to happen. It's the body's way of alerting people to potential danger, according to FamilyDoctor.org, the website for the American Academy of Family Physicians. Anxiety is a defense mechanism that prepares humans to take action in the face of threat. Sometimes this can lead to intense apprehension, causing physical reactions such as increased heart rate, weakness, upset stomach or trembling.
Identification
In situations such as a job interview, an exam or speaking engagement, a person's anxiety is a forewarning to prepare for the event. In this case, anxiety encourages people to take an active approach to the forthcoming stressful event rather than just worry about it, according to KidsHealth. Preparation is an effective way to handle anxiety. Good study habits, for example, are important when it comes to preparing for a test. Cramming for a test the night before can increase anxiety. Students can enlist the aid of a teacher or mentor to help them prepare for a test. People anxious about upcoming meetings or speaking publicly can ask friends or family members for advice.
Function
Exercises for combating anxiety include controlling or confronting situations that cause worry. FamilyDoctor.org, a website of the American Academy of Family Physicians, recommends that people find a quiet place for a half hour to do some thinking about their concerns, focusing on how to handle situations that make them anxious. Anxiety causes people to worry about what might happen if something goes wrong. Confronting an upcoming situation mentally helps encourage a person to rehearse in his mind what can be done to make things right. He might remember previous anxieties suffered during past events and what measures were or were not effective in helping to overcome the anxiety. This helps make the person feel more comfortable about handling similar situations in the future.
Considerations
Instead of focusing on the anxiety, many people clear their minds of worries. Relaxation techniques have a calming effect on the body. Yoga combines postures, breathing exercises and meditation to bring relief from anxiety, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Other methods for relaxation include massage therapy, acupuncture, prayer, listening to music, enjoying art or any activity the provides pleasant thoughts.
Expert Insight
Anxiety can develop into serious complications. Some people have frequent worries that occur nearly every day. They suffer from anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder. The way to combat the anxiety in these cases is through treatment, which includes medication and different types of psychotherapy, the National Institute of Mental Health explains. People who suffer from some form of anxiety on a regular basis should visit a doctor who can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder and arrange for treatment.
Prevention/Solution
Physical activity is recommended for people who have occasional anxiety and for patients with anxiety disorder. Exercise helps release feel-good brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters and endorphins, MayoClinic.com explains. Exercise increases body temperature to bring about a calming effect. Being physically active also gets people in shape which imparts a self-confidence that can combat anxiety. Exercise that combats anxiety may include running, playing basketball, brisk walking, yard work or any other activity that a person finds enjoyable.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Anxiety and Panic: Gaining Control Over How You're Feeling
- TeensHealth: Test Anxiety: What Can You Do?
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America: Complementary & Alternative Treatment
- National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms
