Anxiety can be a real nagging issue, especially if you don't know how to deal with it. It can be a real problem once it starts interfering with your daily life. In my experience, however, I've come up with a few ways to help me feel better when my anxiety takes over.
1. Focus on your breathing
This tactic seems a little lame, but it makes all the difference in the world. I learned it from my counselor when I first started going. For best results, lay down, close your eyes and breathe. Focus all your energy on your breathing and your breathing only. In through your nose, and out through your mouth. Not only does focusing solely on your breathing clear your mind of everything you're worried about, but it helps get oxygen to your entire body -- physically calming you down.
2. Listen to music
If you have the time when your anxiety hits to listen to some music, I cannot stress this enough. It does wonders. I never knew a few simple songs could help physically calm me down, but they can. I prefer to listen to artists like Odesza and Kasbo when I'm feeling anxious, because their songs are slow and the melodies are the prettiest things you'll ever hear. They're extremely calming. Listen to whatever music makes you happiest.
3. Read
Once again, if you have the time, reading something mentally stimulating helps. Whether it's a novel or an article or a book of poetry or something educational even, reading something intellectually invigorating can help you focus your energy away from what's making your anxiety act up. Plus, learning something is always ideal.
4. Yoga/Meditation
Not only is yoga an incredible way to become more in tune with your body and soul, it can do a lot for your mentality. There is such a wide range of different types of yoga that there is literally a yoga pose for anything. You can even learn yoga poses to help aid in your digestion! Plus, being more limber can help you feel physically better. Meditation is another absolutely huge help with anxiety, and I cannot recommend this enough. Learning to focus your energy on what's important to you is such a huge advantage in your life. If you come to understand meditation and yourself enough, it can do wonders for you.
5. Stay positive
I know this seems simple, but it's anything but. I used to be the most negative person in the world, and that only aided my anxiety. Teaching myself to be positive and to think with a positive attitude was extremely difficult but also extremely beneficial. Sometimes, just telling yourself "this won't matter in a week. I won't feel like this in a month. I won't feel like this forever" can help. Learning to look at things in a positive light or as a learning experience is a great way to avoid anxiety. In my experience, being positive has changed my entire outlook on life.
Anxiety is a tough and never-ending battle. I understand that more than anyone. Finding ways to cope that are tailored to you and how you feel is so important, and I cannot stress this enough. You can fight your anxiety and win this way, I promise.
