Being anxious can be a debilitating feeling. It can make you nervous, stressed, and even prevent you from acting in a normal, healthy way and making decisions, just because you don’t know what to do, where to turn, or whether or not you’re making the right choice.
A recent study of 2,200 adults conducted in Great Britain revealed something that many women already know--women are twice as likely to experience significant feelings of anxiety than men.
There are solutions--pharmaceutical and otherwise--that can help ease the suffering. And there are also logical, simple methods you can use each and every day to slow those anxious feelings before they wash over you like a wave.
1. Realize that these feelings of anxiety (and sometimes panic), while having a physiological impact, will subside. As quickly as you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and anxious, these feelings will then build, but then eventually dissipate.
2. This is one of the most important thoughts you need to keep front and center--you need to accept what you cannot change. When it comes right down to it, we know the sources of stress and anxiety in our lives. If you can, eliminate these sources of stress. But if that’s not possible, do what you can to create a healthy lifestyle that can withstand stress. In short, eat well, get enough rest and exercise. All very simple and very effective, too.
3. This tactic is my favorite--write about how you feel. I do this as a form of meditation, but it also helps to just jot your thoughts down in a more informal way. It’s a wonderful way to defuse your emotions and cope.
4. Consider getting professional help to change your life. Therapy and getting advice about your health are very important, especially if you feel as though your anxiety is something you can’t manage on your own.
Whatever you choose, please don’t ignore these debilitating emotions. They can cause serious health problems and even lead to heart disease. While the emotions can be fleeting at times, the effects over time can be serious and significant.