Anxiety is a very common experience that may pop up with day-to-day issues.
At it's most extreme, anxiety can veer into the territory of pathology.
Those with Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are constantly in a state of worry, fear, and dread which interferes with their ability to navigate life.
Some typical signs of GAD include:
- Worrying excessively about everyday things
- Having trouble controlling worries/nervousness
- Feeling restless
- Feeling irritable or on edge
In its most basic form, anxiety is a response to stress, one that makes the stressor even more difficult to face.
When left unmanaged there are anxiety can have serious effects on the following:
- Being able to take care of yourself
- Forming and maintaining healthy relationships
- Trying new things
- Maintaining a job
- Getting tasks completed
- Enjoying the things that you do
Here are a few tips to help curb your anxiety:
- Journaling
- Deep breathing
- Reading
- Behavioral Therapy
- Meditation
Here is an exercise that you can try when you’re stuck in a state of worry:
- 5 things you can see; Colors, items in room
- 4 things you can physically feel; Your feet on the ground
- 3 things you can hear; The wind, your breathing
- 2 things you can smell; Scented Candle, coffee, or soap
- 1 thing you can taste; Chewing gum, the air outside
Utilizing tools like these to distract and shift your focus away from the anxiety-inducing stimuli can be very effective in regulating your reaction.
Learning how to manage your anxiety is important.
Life may become overwhelming, and things may feel out of our control, but there are so many tools to help cope with all the chaos life throws our way.
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