5 Tips for Reducing Anxiety

Anxiety can creep up on us when we find our plates loaded with events and assignments—or when we least expect it. With the right tips and techniques, anxiety can be manageable.

Recognize

Anxiety can disguise itself as tummy aches, headaches and dizziness. Realizing that you are feeling anxious is one of the first steps to dealing with it. Different people have different triggers and you may need to do some reflection on what could possibly be upsetting you or causing you stress.

Photo by Melissa O’Donohue

Accept

Once you realize that your upset stomach is really being caused by anxiety, accept that this is so. We often don’t want to admit that we are stressed out because it makes us feel out of control, but you cannot deal with your anxiety properly until you accept that’s what you’re feeling. Remember that you’re not the only person in the world—or even your school or town—that experiences anxiety.

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Positive Self-Talk

Talk to yourself in a positive tone to calm yourself down. Use positive coping statements such as “everything is going to be alright,” “this will pass,” and “I can handle this,” to tame your nerves and build your confidence back up.

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Breathe

Breathing is key when you’re feeling anxious. If anxiety is high enough, it can leave a person feeling out of breath, dizzy, and light-headed, or even cause hyperventilation and panic attacks. Take long, deep inhales and exhales through the nose to control the breath and calm the mind and body.

Photo by Tess Mayer

Be Present

Anxiety often arises when we focus too much on the past or future. Keep your thoughts in the present moment, focusing on the here and now. Activities like yoga and meditation help still the mind and direct your thoughts to the present moment.

Photo by Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Feature Image: by ** RCB **