According to Mental Health America, more than 40 million people suffer from anxiety disorders at any one time, regardless of the economy or other mainstream issues. For those prone to the emotional disturbance, there are a number of things you can do to help reduce stress and anxiety and enjoy life more.
Step 1
Focus on your physical well-being. It's difficult to feel happy and optimistic when you are feeling bad. Eating properly, exercising and taking care of any physical ailments can relieve a lot of the tension that only exacerbates a difficult emotional period.
Step 2
Take your time when making decisions. Letting others rush you into making spur-of-the-moment decisions or making a commitment before you are ready can add additional stress to a changing situation. If others are rushing you, give them a deadline that is more comfortable for you.
Step 3
Remain centered on those things over which you have control. Monitor your thinking so that you do not obsess over things you cannot control, such as the stock market, the weather and other people's feelings.
Step 4
Incorporate relaxation exercises in your daily routine such as meditation and deep breathing. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, learning deep breathing techniques is one of the most powerful tools to fight growing anxiety and stress. Physical exercises that help to release endorphins in the system also should be included in a daily schedule to reduce stress and anxiety.
Step 5
Keep your regular appointments, especially with mental health care providers you may be seeing. If you are seeing a therapist for your anxiety, you don't want to risk backsliding and adding even more stress to your life. The National Anxiety Foundation recommends that people who may have trouble paying for therapy treatments should find other ways to cut expenses rather than cutting out counseling.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a journal and join online discussion groups through one of the interactive websites, such as Internet Mental Health, that offer assistance to those suffering from stress and anxiety.
- Seek help if you find yourself so stressed out and anxious that you begin to consider escape through drugs or suicide. You may have a more serious disorder, such as bipolar or depression, that requires medication and therapy.
