Understanding, Managing, and Thriving with Anxiety
Anxiety, a common and natural emotional response, often emerges in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties. It is an intricate part of the human experience, but when anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can significantly impact mental health. There has been a growing awareness surrounding the importance of mental health, breaking down stigmas, and promoting understanding. Addressing anxiety within the context of mental health is crucial, as it not only sheds light on the challenges individuals face but also emphasizes the significance of compassion, support, and accessible resources in fostering a healthy society.
Anxiety and worry are a part of life. It is a necessary emotion that contributes to our survival. It alerts us to danger and urges us to take action. We have all experienced it at one time or another. There are many things that can cause anxiety. While some of the causes are beyond our control, there are things we can do to manage our feelings. Most of us have been anxious at various times in our lives. For some of us, our worries have weighed us down. We have found some things that have helped us and those we work with to manage anxiety and worry.
Meditation can help you manage your worry.
Get out of bed. If you are anxious or worried, get out of bed and do something with your day. The worst thing you can do is stay in bed worrying or being anxious about things that are beyond your control. Do something productive with your day so you are not stuck in the same place feeling the same way all day long.
Get a good night's sleep. If you have been anxious or worried the day before, get a good night's sleep so that you are refreshed and ready to start the next day.
Practice gratitude. Be grateful for the things in your life that you have. Make a list of things you are grateful for.
Exercise! Exercise can help with anxiety and worry because it releases endorphins in your brain that help you feel better about yourself and your situation.
Talk to someone about your worries or anxieties. Sometimes just talking to someone about what is bothering us can help us feel better about our situation and give us a fresh perspective.
Avoid making BIG decisions. If you are anxious or worried about something, put off making a decision until you feel better about it. Sometimes we make rash decisions when we are anxious that we regret later.
Make a list of your worries and anxieties. Write down what is bothering you and note if it is something you can control or not. If it is something you can influence, set out a plan to make it happen.
Avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone is different; what works for one person, may not work for someone else.
Expressing your emotions through writing or recording voice memos can be incredibly liberating. Letting your feelings out, whether on paper or in words, is a positive step towards emotional well-being. It's a reminder that it's healthier to release your thoughts rather than bottle them up inside. Countless stories highlight the transformative power of sharing emotions, showing that embracing this practice can prevent emotional explosions and lead to a more optimistic outlook on life.
Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes we can get so caught up in our thoughts that we do not realize that we are having negative thoughts about ourselves or our situation. Be aware of what you are thinking and be aware of your feelings about what is going on.
Get a pet. Having a pet can help you with anxiety and worry. It can give you some companionship when you feel lonely and it can also help you get out of the house and go for a walk or do something fun.
Pets are great companions. Here are 2 of the newest additions to the CCC team. Estelle (top) and Bugha (bottom).
Lastly, your mental health is of utmost importance. Good mental health makes us thrive. If you’ve tried the above suggestions with little success, feel free to reach out to us at Conscious Connections Counseling. We are here for you.
