Anxiety. We all feel it from time to time. When we become overly anxious, we find ourselves unable to act, to do what we need to do. Anxiety can be very crippling. So, how can we quickly ease anxiety, at least enough to function in the moment?
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a debilitating condition which stems from internal forces. Persistent, excessive worries with little rational basis cause anxiety. For some, their anxiety becomes so powerful they are unable to function.
On the positive side, anxiety is a natural feeling which helps us be alert to danger, but when anxiety goes to an extreme, it becomes a disorder. When anxiety reaches this state, we usually need professional help to cope with what is happening. Yet, even when people experience an anxiety disorder, there are some ways to ease the feelings.
The first thing someone suffering from anxiety needs to do is recognize whether it is anxiety or stress.
Is it anxiety or stress?
Stress and anxiety are related and can result in similar outcomes, but stress is derived from external events or forces like the loss of a loved one, a job, or something similar. In time, stress goes away as circumstances change or time passes.
Anxiety on the other hand, comes from excessive fears or worries. Internal forces, that is, our own thought processes and emotions, are what drive anxiety. Thus, the key to easing anxiety lay within our own thinking.
What are some simple ways to ease anxiety?
Since anxiety comes from within, we can find ways to manage its impact on our lives. In other words, while we cannot control things that cause stress, we can learn to control our thoughts and the way we cope with anxiety.
The most common way to ease anxiety is to meet regularly with a skilled therapist who can help you delve into the reasons causing your anxiety, but this takes time. Some ways that you can ease anxiety quickly include:
- Deep breathing exercises – Close your eyes, and slowly breathe deep through your nostrils (if possible). Do this for a few minutes or until you feel less anxiety.
- Yoga or meditation – If choosing meditation, close your eyes and visualize yourself calm, see yourself in a calm setting, perhaps at the beach or in the woods or wherever you find relaxation. For Yoga, check out this video.
- Listen to music – Not power rock. Instead, listen to something soothing, calming. Movie soundtracks like Rachel Portman, classical pieces like Canon in D, or even the sound of whales…whatever music helps you relax.
- Lavender – More than just a lovely fragrance, lavender also contains anti-anxiety and relaxation properties. Lavender has long been used as a sleep aid, and it can help ease your anxiety. Add some fresh lavender, potpourri, or oil to a diffuser in your home, a few drops of oil on a cloth under your pillow, or even in your bathwater. You can even purchase lavender salts, cubes, or bubble baths. Don’t like lavender? There is even evidence that Jasmine is also effective.
- Gratitude – Odd as it may sound, the simple act of writing down three things you are grateful for can ease anxiety. Many who suffer from anxiety do this every morning.
Parting words on easing anxiety
There are numerous ways to ease anxiety, some of which take longer than others to be effective but are longer-lasting. For more ways to ease anxiety, click here and here.
Of course, the best way to overcome your anxiety is to see a counselor regularly. In therapy, I not only help you understand and come to terms with the cause of your anxiety but also teach numerous techniques which help. Contact me today to get started.