3 Top Tips For Coping With Anxiety

Anxiety is incredibly common - and entirely natural. In fact, everyone will experience anxiety over something at some time in their lives.  Anxiety is the brains way of preparing you for something that matters to you. For example, exam anxiety can either fuel you or cripple you. The exam is important to you. Or, meeting a new person, will they like you ? Are you excited to meet them if they are your favourite pop star for example or are you fearful as it is your new boss you are meeting and you have heard they are a tyrant. But, some anxiety is crippling and occurs seemingly for no reason at all.

If your anxiety overwhelms you and is starting to take over your life, it’s important to get it back on track on it as soon as you can so that it doesn’t become so disruptive that you’re unable to function as you would do normally.

To help you keep your anxiety under control, here are three top tips that could be worth trying. And don’t forget that you’re certainly not alone when it comes to your mental health and there’s lots of support available out there if you do feel as though you need a bit of extra help getting back on track.

1. Talk to someone

A problem shared is a problem halved and you can really help ease your worries by talking through what’s bothering you with someone you trust. It can be difficult to open up to those closest to you, however, so don’t discount the idea of going to see a counsellor or hypnotherapist, who will be able to help you work through your deeper thoughts and feelings. They can also help you with techniques that help with every day stress.

2. Try breathing exercises

Focusing on your breathing is a brilliant way to anchor yourself in the present moment, letting all your fears and worries fade into the background as you inhale and exhale. 

A great technique to try is square breathing, where you breathe in for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four and then exhale for a count of four. As you breathe in and out, pay close attention to the sensation of the breath. Different breathing patterns work for different people so try a few until you find what works for you.

Thoughts may well enter your mind as you practise, but just let them go without focusing on them, bringing your attention back to the breath each time. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

3. Exercise

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to boost your mood, releasing endorphins to help reduce stress, relieve pain and enhance your overall wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be strenuous or complicated… even going for a walk is enough to make you feel better. 

Interestingly, dancing may be one of the best forms of exercise to help lower anxiety… so perhaps now’s the time to get the jazz hands going! Yoga is also known to help with anxiety where as some say running or walking can help. Hard overly strenuous exercise can increase cortisol and make anxiety worse, so whilst you should have fun, don't push yourself too hard. If you push too hard, you may find that the energy dip after wards makes you feel less inclined to do it again.

There are so many things that can help with anxiety. However, if it is taking over your life, seek help and put it where it belongs, there only for when you need it !

admin@butterflymindworks.com

0745 331 5549