4 Ways to Control Anxiety

We all occasionally feel panicked. It’s fairly normal – unless you don’t know what caused it. If it comes out of the blue, though, can you control anxiety? Knowing the enemy is a step in the right direction. This state of mind is often triggered by a stress response to different internal and external stimuli. The aim of this article is to help you understand anxiety so that you can recognise it and mitigate its negative effects.

So, when does anxiety become problematic? Let’s get to know this state of inquietude a bit. There are various characteristics to it and, yet, it’s difficult for sufferers to explain. In general, anxiety is produced by a combination of things. It’s not just fear as a rational response to an external condition. It’s more a result of internal conflict that, again, is difficult to describe.  This is why it’s important to ask yourself questions about what’s going on in your life and whether or not you can react differently to given situations.

It’s not easy, but one of the best things you can do is seek help from someone. We don’t necessarily mean your GP. If, however, you’re feeling immobilised by your anxiety, you may want to consider this option. If you’re not quite there yet, find a sympathetic ear and some support. Knowing that you’re not alone lifts the burden and can help allay some of your fears. You might be surprised by how many people suffer from this state of mind. You’re not crazy or weird.

Anxiety comes in many colours

The disunited state of anxiety

When events are beyond our control, they may alter the coping abilities and consciousness of a person. As time passes and the memories become less acute, this person will return to a mental and emotional health.

Nervous characters

If you’ve suffered frequent bouts of anxiety since childhood, it’s the sort that is known as characteristic anxiety. This state of mind is part of you…part of your life and you find it difficult to see yourself any differently. If this describes you, please consider getting help from a professional. Together, you can work through root causes and find some relief.

Take heart. This needn’t be a life sentence. In most cases, symptoms of anxiety can revert – often without pharmaceutical intervention. You just need to practise a few simple techniques.

Techniques that help control anxiety

Think positive

One good method to use is thought control. It sounds a bit sinister, but it’s actually quite effective. We’re not suggesting that you lie to yourself or pretend that your anxiety doesn’t exist. We’re recommending that you be kinder to yourself. Try to remember that nobody’s perfect – and nobody expects perfection from you. Be open to possibilities. Relax more. Be aware of your physical self and how your movements affect your thoughts. Live in the now and try not to worry about the future. It’s uncertain and there’s not much you can do about that. Enjoy today and live as peacefully as you can!

Do the things you love to do

One hour. Sixty measly minutes. Give yourself permission to enjoy a hobby or an activity for 3,600 seconds every day. It’ll do you the world of good. Studies show that anxiety sufferers spend little time doing what they love and loads of time trying to be responsible or meet commitments to others. You can still be a decent, caring individual when you steal a few moments for yourself. So, go on…read, walk, exercise, bungee jump or build ships in bottles. Now’s a perfect time to start – well, within reason, of course. You don’t want to do parkour in your PJs at 4 in the morning, do you?

Relax and be…

Learn a few relaxation exercises – or yoga, if you prefer – and you’ll find strength that you never knew you had. They’ll allow you to find internal peace and help you to get a bit of balance in your life. All that aside, they’ll be a boon to your physical health.

Time management

Are you pals with procrastination? It’s so easy to take a Scarlett O’Hara approach to tasks. Why do today what you can postpone until tomorrow? This bad habit ultimately causes instability. Feeling out of control leads to anxiety and…you can see where we’re going with this. So, dust off that diary and get used to adhering to your to-do list. It’ll pay off, we promise. You’ll be calm and you’ll have more time to do things that make you feel good.