Interesting Ways To Help Treat Anxiety | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Interesting Ways To Help Treat Anxiety

How to treat that anxiety before exams

2
Interesting Ways To Help Treat Anxiety
Foter.com

With finals coming just around the corner, students have a surprisingly increased amount of anxiety caused by deadlines, assignments, and projects in classes. On anxiety the American Psychological Association states "About 18 percent of U.S. adults and 25 percent of adolescents age 13 to 18 will experience anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. About 4 percent of adults, and nearly 6 percent of teens, have anxiety disorders classified as severe." Here are some interesting ideas that you can try in order to help anxiety over the next few weeks.



1. Make sure to get plenty of rest

"When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest."
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America

2. Take frequent walks

I always tell my friends, personally, as someone with a psychology minor, that going out for walks is one of the best possible ways to deal with stress. Walks are used as a DBT technique for treating anxiety and is considered very therapeutic. I usually tell my friends when they are experiencing those racing thoughts to go outside and count backwards from 100 (it will give your mind something else to think about rather then the anxious feelings you are having).


3. Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is described as:

"Instead of eating mindlessly, putting food into your mouth almost unconsciously, not really tasting the food you're eating... you notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations." - Zenhabits.net

Think about how the food tastes, feels, and describe it in full detail while you eat it. Be mindful and only think about that food. Block out all other thoughts you may have about what is stressing you out.


4. Visit the counseling center as needed

On campus, we offer a counseling center for all students who need it. It is always good to visit the counseling center when feeling any kinds of anxiety during test taking season. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says regarding counseling centers:

"Schools are aware of the toll exams can take on students. They have offices or programs specifically dedicated to helping you and providing additional educational support so that you can be successful." - Anxiety and Depression Association of America

5. Call a Friend

Friends can be great supports during exams. Although your mind may be telling you to constantly be studying, sometimes its just healthy to take a break. Call a friend and hang out with them in person. The chances of them needing a break during finals season are very high.


6. Get a tutor

Tutors can be really helpful and can take that load off your shoulders when it comes time to cram for those exams. Departments sometimes have individual tutors who can help you with this. Tutors can help you develop better studying habits ,and can help you memorize long bits of information.


7. Try a calming activity

Things like smelling candles, taking a bubble bath, catching up on Netflix, reading a book, or even playing a video game can be very relaxing. The more relaxed you are, the easier it becomes to battle stress and anxiety. Adult coloring books are now available in stores and they have been proven to help with anxiety and other disorders. Here is a story from CNN that explains the practicality of coloring books for adults. http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/06/health/adult-colorin...

8. Reward yourself

After a hard day of studying make sure to give yourself a small reward. Go to the nearest coffee shop and buy some coffee. Maybe even reward yourself with a nice dinner or desert. Usually after i've spent the whole day studying, I reward myself with ice cream or some kind of a fun treat.


9. Have an emergency kit

One technique DBT therapists use with patients to treat anxiety disorders are to have an emergency kit ready. I know lots of people who have one and it's just a really easy project to do that can save you some time. Take an old box and stuff what I like to call "Little distractions" inside of it. You can pack some old family photos (or a family album) , Scrap booking activities (if your crafty), Sheet music (for the music lovers), play-dough, stress balls, lip balm, maybe an old book, or a comfort thing like a bag of tea. I promise you the next time your feeling anxious, if you grab that box you will feel a lot better. Here are some links about emergency kits or boxes:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/85779567872896752/

http://healthofmind.tumblr.com/post/22571448384/se...

https://borderlinebabble.com/2015/09/29/dbt-skills...


10. Meditation

I did mention counting backwards while walking as a technique and this one is similar. Deep breathing and meditation has been proven to help those with anxiety and stress. Meditation has been used by monks for centuries in order to help them feel and remain calm. Here is a video that guides you through meditation.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Chandler Bing

I'm assuming that we've all heard of the hit 90's TV series, Friends, right? Who hasn't? Admittedly, I had pretty low expectations when I first started binge watching the show on Netflix, but I quickly became addicted.

Without a doubt, Chandler Bing is the most relatable character, and there isn't an episode where I don't find myself thinking, Yup, Iam definitely the Chandler of my friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
eye roll

Working with the public can be a job, in and of itself. Some people are just plain rude for no reason. But regardless of how your day is going, always having to be in the best of moods, or at least act like it... right?

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

Keep Reading...Show less
blair waldorf
Hercampus.com

RBF, or resting b*tch face, is a serious condition that many people suffer from worldwide. Suffers are often bombarded with daily questions such as "Are you OK?" and "Why are you so mad?" If you have RBF, you've probably had numerous people tell you to "just smile!"

While this question trend can get annoying, there are a couple of pros to having RBF.

Keep Reading...Show less
legally blonde
Yify

Another day, another Elle Woods comment. Can’t us blondes get through the day without someone harping at us over the typical stereotypes about who we are? I never understood why a person was judged based upon the hair color they were born with, or the hair color they choose to have (unless you dye your hair blue like Kylie Jenner, I’m still trying to understand why that’s a trend). Nevertheless, as it should be assumed, not everyone is the same. Not all blondes like bright colors and Lilly Pulitzer, and not all blondes claim to identify with Marilyn Monroe. I think the best suggestion to give to people before they make such radical claims is to stop judging a book by its cover. Or in this case, stop judging a blonde by her hair color.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

A Year At JMU As Told By 'Bob's Burgers'

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1660
Bob's Burgers
collegian.com

A year at JMU promises many great adventures. The journey of becoming a duke and learning what being a duke is all about is really exciting and a lot of fun. Of course, we all know that James Madison University is the greatest university in Virginia (perhaps even the entire country). There are many events and moments at JMU that are cherished and remembered by all dukes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments