Everybody gets anxious sometimes but if your worries interfere with your ability to function and relax then it’s the time to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Anxiety is probably the only unpleasant state we have all experienced. Going through your days worrying about the things that might not even happen is a common denominator for the whole humankind. Fears and worries are normal parts of life but it is when those fears become excessive, intrusive and disruptive, interfering with your daily life than you might be facing General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which is, to put it simply, anxiety taken to a whole new level, making everyday life and relaxation near to impossible.
Everyday worry can cause physical tension and lack of focus but when taken to the extreme, anxiety keeps your body in fight or flight mode. It may also cause tensing of your muscles, heart palpitation, lack of sleep, loss of energy, and stomach problems. Everybody gets anxious sometimes but if your worries interfere with your ability to function and relax then it’s the time to learn how to deal with anxiety. Here is what you can do to alleviate your worries and fears:
Stay present – try to bring yourself to the present moment in which you are safe. Pay attention to your surroundings, to what are you doing and sensing in this very moment. Make this your practice every time you get anxious. Although it might be hard, in the beginning, keep on doing it and your brain will rewire your habitual reaction to thoughts that trigger worry.
Everything is going to be okay – the thing that works miracles for me is while focusing on my breath I slowly say “Everything is going to be okay” or” I am going to be okay”. Find some affirmation that has that soothing effect on you and really feels it while repeating it.
Let go of the worrying thoughts – don’t try to push the anxiety away, because it might result in more anxiety. Rather just hear the worrying thoughts but don’t listen to them. Don’t let them take you from the present moment and this safe place. Hear them and let them pass through.
Engage in pleasant activity – distract yourself with something you enjoy doing and don’t bring your worrying thoughts with you, but leave them at step 3.
Don’t waste your precious time – See that there was no reason for you to worry in the first place since you are perfectly fine now. Tell yourself that you do not want to waste your precious time worrying – life is just fine