April 29, 2012
How to Deal with Anxiety
Just by turning on the news can cause an anxiety attack. With so many threats to our way of life it’s no wonder more people aren’t being diagnosed with anxiety disorder.
Some people worry so much that it becomes a habit. A habit that is damaging to your health both mentally and physically. The usual advice “just be more positive” may not work anymore. However that isn’t to say that there’s no hope. In fact, there is plenty of hope and help and here is how to deal with anxiety.
Form a difficult relationship with your thoughts or worries. In other words, turn the tables on them and face them a different way. If you let it, anxiety can take on a life of its own and many times the fear is overrated.
Amplify your Fears
Whatever your fear, imagine it 10 times worse. You might be thinking how can this help but when you really blow it out of proportion, somehow your mind sees it as impossible to happen this way. This rational way of thinking will also help you face the real fear and see that it isn’t as bad as you might think; thus nothing to worry so much about.
If You Can Change it
Worry about those things that you have control over. For instance, you don’t have to worry about nuclear war because if it ever happens there is nothing you can do to stop it so why worry about it. On the other hand you should worry about catching an STD but you can also do something about preventing it so the control is in your hands, which means there isn’t a need for worry or anxiety.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mediation has always been useful to relieve anxiety. Mindfulness mediation is a type of meditation that calls for you to be aware in that state of being which eliminates the worry or fear. There are several types but one particular is called counting your breath. Set a timer for at least two minutes and sit in a comfortable position. Breathe in deeply for a count of four and exhale slowly for a count of four. The focus on how your stomach expands and contracts won’t give you time to think about what worries you. This is an effective tool that you can take with you anywhere.
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