6 Strategies For Instant Anxiety Relief
By Ryan Light, Running/Anxiety Coach
Anxiety Relief – Anxiety is a continued feeling of worry or stress when put under pressure, though the feeling may continue even after the stressful situation has passed. It is a common problem with people. Few who suffer from anxiety seek professional help, perhaps because they do not acknowledge how detrimental its effects can be to them. For you who is reading this however, it will give you an advantage over others as you are unlikely to fall victim to unpleasant anxiety attacks.
It is important to appreciate that there is no method that completely rids people of anxiety in an instant. Levels of anxiety vary from individual to individual, and from situation to situation, but I believe that by continued application of the tips below, you’ll manage to effectively combat anxiety.
1. Exercise
It has been scientifically proven that inactivity makes the body susceptible to anxiety. In the words of an old maxim, inactivity breeds fear. So move around. Not only does exercise chase away anxiety, it also releases body chemicals and hormones that contribute to relaxation. If you cannot access a gym or another appropriate place for exercise, then jog on the spot, and watch the anxiety pangs subside.
2. Distract Your Senses
Constantly brooding on your predicament or whatever is causing you anxiety is certainly no remedy to anxiety. Think about other things. Read a novel. Talk to friends or family. Go out of your way to help somebody else. Just don’t occupy all your waking hours with thoughts about how anxious you are or how much you are dreading an event. Thinking too much about a problem actually magnifies it, especially if you are looking at it from a fearful angle. Another quote holds here: Nothing minimizes your adversities like ignoring them!
3. Eat More Magnesium
There is scientific evidence that magnesium does help in keeping anxiety at bay. Magnesium is a naturally occurring vitamin. This means that you should eat more foods rich in magnesium. These foods include dark green vegetables, milk products, and fruits. However, if you are experiencing too much anxiety, you might want to ask your doctor for magnesium supplements. This is because naturally occurring vitamins normally occur in scanty quantities, which might not give you much help. You should however be cautious about those who claim to have instant foods or herbs that can reduce anxiety, especially if not backed by scientific proof, which is almost always lacking in most cases.
4. Have An Anxiety Disaster Plan
Anxiety might attack without warning, so it is wise to have a tried- and- tested plan in case of unwarranted attacks. Look for things that uplift you when you are at the verge of falling into pieces. Is it a song? A comical magazine? A friend who when you talk to, you feel that things will actually work out? A role model who boosts you confidence when you really need someone who believes in you? Or is it an inspiring story that you can identify with? Keep these things on speed dial, and reach for them when you feel the waves of anxiety closing in on you.
5. Keep A Journal
Take time to write down whatever it is that is bothering you. You will be surprised at how much help that can be. When you write issues down, you might get solutions to them or a different angle of approaching them. This certainly is a relief to your troubled mind, much better than having dreadful thoughts constantly swirling in your brain. Order does bring calm. Moreover, when you write issues down, it gives your brain security that your thoughts are safely stored and frees up your mind to think about other things.
6. In The End
All in all, it is important to accept that anxiety can bring us down, but more importantly, that the power to overcome it lies within us. So relax. It might seem insurmountable now, but rest assured that it is not beyond your power. And also, remember that keeping busy might do wonders for you in overcoming anxiety… it will conveniently help your brain forget about the looming problem, which is of great advantage to you. Also remember that you are not alone in combating anxiety and that others are willing to help you in the battle.
Somatic coach (therapist) in Canton, GA, and Worldwide Life Coach dedicated to inspiring and assisting people worldwide through candid conversations about anxiety. Having personally battled general anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD, I understand the daily challenges those grappling with anxiety face. My journey involved searching for the right therapist, medication, and natural supplements and undergoing various tests. It was only after deciding to reclaim my life that I finally overcame anxiety’s hold. I’m passionate about helping others conquer their struggles and discover their life purpose.