How to Cope with Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotional feeling characterised by a heightened sense of fear, thoughts of worry and body reactions such as sweating, increased blood pressure and body tremors. If you suffer from frequent anxiety attacks, the article below provides a few tips on how you can cope with the anxiety. 

Identify your triggers. 

To prevent anxiety attacks, identify your triggers and learn how to cope or avoid them. Some common causes of anxiety include the following:

  • Thinking about health issues, medical procedures and certain medications
  • Consuming caffeine, alcohol or hard drugs such as cocaine
  • Being alone in a room or house
  • Attending social events and parties
  • Being exposed to conflicts

Exercise. 

Regular exercise can help you cope with feelings of anxiety. Cycling, a morning run or a game of tennis can help boost your endorphins (stress-relieving hormones), hence leaving you in a good mood. Besides, exercise will help distract your mind from the various anxiety triggers. 

Increase your positivity levels. 

Having a positive attitude can drastically reduce your anxiety levels. Replace negative thoughts with realistic positive ideas. Focus your energy on the things that matter to you. For instance, you could take an active role in your local book club or engage in hobbies such as travelling or cooking. 

Keep good company. 

Support from friends and family can help you cope with your anxiety. Talk to them about your anxiety triggers and tell them how they can help you deal with your condition. For example, you can ask them not to talk about specific topics. Besides, you can ask them to accompany you to social events or avoid leaving you alone at home.

Seek anxiety treatment. 

If you cannot control your anxiety, it is best that you seek medical help. Your doctor will prescribe anxiety medication such as beta blockers, anti-depressants or benzodiazepines. He or she might also recommend that you visit a counsellor. During anxiety counselling sessions, your therapist will help you identify and advice about your anxiety triggers. He or she might recommend various techniques for dealing with your anxiety. It is vital to note that counselling is a long-term process. Therefore, you must be consistent for the intervention to be successful.

If you suffer from anxiety, you should not be afraid to talk about your condition since many people have been anxious at one point in their lives. Learn how to cope with your triggers, be positive about life, engage in regular exercise, seek support from close family and seek medical help.  

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