Anxiety is a disease. It is something that overcomes you and changes who you are. Anxiety has symptoms and treatments and of course, risks. There are all different kinds of anxiety such as general anxiety, test anxiety… the list goes on. However, for your day-to-day anxiety, there are a few simple tips that could help you begin to overcome it.
1. Work it off. Hit the gym each day (at least 5 out of 7 days a week) and get rid of the extra adrenalin that is inflaming your anxiety. Work out so hard that you are too exhausted to be anxious when you are done!
2. While at the gym (finances permitting) hire a personal trainer. Learn about the best cardio exercises that will make you sweat all of your anxiety away the fastest and keep you heart pumping fast and your mind on your breathing pattern. Also, ask your trainer about less strenuous exercises such as yoga and/or breathing and stretching exercises to release excess tension in trouble areas such as temples, lower back, shoulder blades and neck.*Tip: practice these breathing exercises before you go to sleep at night as well, to lower your heart rate and relax and clear your mind.
3. To really clear your head, entertain yourself with a television show. Reality shows are a great choice because most of the time they provide comic relief because of how unrealistic they really are. Or, simply find a favorite show and budget that into your busy schedule as YOU time. Make sure to find time for YOU at least once a day in addition to time before bed to clear your mind of anxious thoughts.
4. Get plenty of rest… so you do not have to worry about that too! Resting is actually the most relaxing thing you can do for yourself. If you have trouble sleeping because of outside distractions (like a college dorm for example) sleep with an iPod listening to nature sounds like the ocean, or classical music. An eye mask is a wise idea as well to keep your eyes from being temped from opening and checking your surroundings and becoming more anxious.
5. Always know what you are going to do the next day. If you know you have things to do the following day, have a detailed plan the night before and remember to set your alarm! Be as prepared as possible the night before a big day so you have less anxiety/stress in the morning. For example, each morning before school I would have my K-cup already in my Keurig and mug, sugar, and spoon ready to go. If I was feeling ambitious, I even put out the cereal box.
6. Be prepared for everything and be confident and know that you are ready. The more ready you feel, the more ready and less anxious you already are.
The aforementioned tips are just mere suggestions on how you can begin your journey on your road to an anxious free life. Remember, like everything else, baby steps are expected and required and it takes time. In order to feel any relief of anxiety, however, you must be willing to part with it and accept a life without anxiety.
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