Self Help for Anxiety
February 26, 2008
Anxiety is defined as, “A relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic.” Common symptoms of anxiety include: racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, dizziness, and rapid breathing.
It is estimated that over 20 million people experience stress and related symptoms associated with anxiety disorder, phobias and panic attacks in America alone. With this alarming number rising every day, it is no wonder why so many people are stressed out. This article will give you some quick pointers on how you can relieve and reduce anxiety.
Find your center. A common source of anxiety for many is feeling out of control. An easy way to remedy this is to find your center. Practicing meditation can help you regain a sense of control, as you find your center.
Reduce your caffeine and sugar intake. One of the worst things you can do is drink lots of coffee and soda. Caffeine triggers anxiety, and probably quicker than just about anything else. Because it speeds your heart rate, caffeine should be avoided at all costs, or at the very least drink only in reduced amounts. Foods containing high amounts of sugar should be reduced as well. These cause your blood sugar levels to rise rapidly, then fall just as quickly, which results in you feeling jittery and nervous.
Pinpoint your triggers. Knowing what the source of your anxiety is can help to greatly reduce that anxiety. Ask yourself questions like:
- When do I feel most anxious during the day?
- Who causes feelings of anxiety in my life?
- What thoughts do I have when I begin to feel anxious?
These are a few of the things that can help you to pinpoint your trigger points and begin to alleviate some of your anxiety. You can learn to control your anxiety, starting today.
