According to research, more than 40 million Americans (adults) suffer from an anxiety disorder every year. Sadly, only less than 40% of these do seek professional help and treatment. The larger percentage choose to ignore the symptoms, with others looking for alternative ways to manage the same. Outlined below are some of the best ways to deal with symptoms of anxiety.
- Relaxation Training
This technique involves using guided relaxation exercises to help the body and mind relax voluntarily. You thus need to work on your muscles methodically, starting with your toes all the way to neck muscles to trigger a sense of relaxation. There are numerous tutorials online on how to do this.
- Exercise
Physical exercise is one of the best remedies for fighting symptoms of anxiety. Exercise triggers increased blood flow to every part of the body, and especially the brain. The increased blood flow plays a crucial role in facilitating hormone balance, allowing one to relax.
- Self-Help Books On Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has proven to help improve a patient’s way of life, especially anxiety patients. The books use theories that train one on how to stay calm even when in a stressful environment. The National Institutes of Health particularly recommend Feeling Good and the New Mood Therapy self-help books for patients struggling with anxiety. Familiarizing yourself with these books can help you learn better ways to handle stress and anxiety.
- Meditation
Meditation has proven to be an excellent tool for alleviating anxiety. It enables one to block out any stressful conditions and focus on two things, breath and body sensations. Focusing on your breath and tapping on your inner qi allows the body/mind to calm down, pushing anxiety to the bay.
The first step to beating anxiety is by acknowledging it, then identifying ways to put it in check. Channelling your inner energy on things that do matter and blocking everything else does help manage anxiety too. Although the remedies outlined above might work for some people, it would be advisable to seek professional help if it persists.