If you're someone like me who suffers with an anxiety disorder, or if you're just someone who gets that normal and temporary anxiety that strikes before an exam, speaking in front of a class, a job interview, etc... these five simple steps can help you cope. Take it from someone who deals with these issues on a regular basis- these remedies really do help!
1. Breathing is key.
Anxiety is no joke and when it hits the weight on your chest can make you feel like you're drowning. Deep breaths can help with this, in through your nose and out through your mouth. I know many people have said that before but not many people actually take it seriously or try the exercise. I know anxiety attacks can make you feel like you're dying and you lose hope in anything helping, but one of the main causes of anxiety attacks is the inability to think straight and tell yourself to just breathe.
2. Prepare yourself.
If you know what gives you anxiety then prepare yourself as much as possible. When I say this I don't mean prepare as in practicing your speech over and over again to make you insane, or rehearse your choreography again and again until you want to cry; what I mean is prepare yourself mentally. You need to sit down and kind of give yourself a little motivational speech, "you can do this, it's not so bad, you'll get through this, you know your material inside and out" It might feel stupid or silly at the time it can do wonders. Another trick I found that helps me personally, is that in a classroom setting a lot of anxiety comes from that suspense of your teacher calling on you unexpectedly- I've learned to solve this by volunteering that way there is no expectancy. Don't hold off presenting or participating take matters into your own hands and volunteer when you're ready, that way you're not put on the spot.
3. Surround yourself with positive energy.
Many people don't understand anxiety and its severe impact on someones emotions. If someone can't accept you and support you for who you are, flaws and all then you should separate yourself from them. I know it may seem like it's normal for people to not be able to understand what you're going through, but if someone cares about you they will be there for you whether they understand or not.
4. You can't always hide.
I know it seems tempting and trust me I've been there- but you can't always hide behind your anxiety and never let your anxiety control you, it is not who you are it is just a small part of you.
5. Always do what is best for you.
Anxiety is a serious thing and the only thing that can help you is yourself. You just need to do what is best for you because this is your health. If you need to sit down and take a break then you do that despite where you are, if you need to opt out of something because your anxiety is overwhelming you to a point where you feel like you can't function then you're not letting anyone down. People need to understand that anxiety is something that can't be controlled- so just do what is best for you always and don't worry about what anyone else thinks.
