One moment you’re feeling normal and then the next you get this overwhelming feeling of worry, fear, and uneasiness. You may even become physically uncomfortable causing you to become fidgety. These are often signs of anxiety. Merriam-Webster defines anxiety as an apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipating ill. Anxiety isn’t a recent discovery but due to advancements in technology and social media, it is talked about more. They may have even had discussions about it at your school. So we don’t want you to feel like you’re alone in this. Walk outside and throw a penny in the air and you’re bound to find someone else dealing with the exact same things that you are. So don’t judge yourself but take comfort in the fact that we’re all in this together.
According to an article published on the Mayo Clinic, here are some tips to help you cope with anxiety although you should always speak with a parenting adult regarding anything that you’re feeling.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
These substances can cause or worsen anxiety. If you can’t quit on your own, see your healthcare team or find a support group to help you. - Eat healthy foods.
A healthy diet that incorporates vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fish may be linked to reduced anxiety, but more research is needed. - Identify triggers.
Learn what situations or actions cause you stress or increase your anxiety. Practice the strategies you developed with your mental health professional so you’re ready to deal with anxious feelings in these situations. - Keep physically active.
Develop a routine so you’re physically active most days of the week. Exercise is a powerful stress reducer that can improve your mood and help you stay healthy. Start slowly and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your activities. - Learn about your disorder.
Talk to your healthcare team to discover what might be causing your specific condition and what treatments might be best for you. Involve your family and friends and ask for their support. - Make sleep a priority.
Do what you can to ensure you’re getting enough sleep to feel rested. If you aren’t sleeping well, talk with your healthcare professional. - Quit smoking and reduce or quit drinking caffeinated beverages.
Nicotine and caffeine can worsen anxiety. - Socialize.
Don’t let worries isolate you from loved ones or activities. - Stick to your treatment plan.
Take medications as directed. Keep therapy appointments and complete any assignments your therapist gives. Consistency can make a big difference, especially when it comes to taking your medication. - Use stress management and relaxation techniques.
Visualization techniques, meditation and yoga are examples of relaxation techniquesthat can ease anxiety. - Write in a journal.
Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your mental health professional identify what’s causing you stress and what seems to help you feel better.
Journaling is a favorite. Sometimes you just need to get things out. Hopefully this blog has brought some clarity regarding what anxiety is and how most deal with it. Again, please contact an adult when you’re feeling overwhelmed since we aren’t licensed medical advisers.
Leave a comment regarding your anxiety experiences and how you cope with them. Also, please follow us on Instagram at purposelygirly.
