Home > Anxiety > 5 Things To Remember Next Time You’re Anxious
When you feel anxious, it would be ideal to feel lighter, calmer and less worried! While it’s normal to feel extremely scared and restless when anxious, how you respond to it is very important. Anxiety is a sign that something has triggered you, making you feel this way and something around you needs to change in order for you to feel better.
At such a time, it’s important to know how to respond to anxiety and anxious thoughts in order to feel better and reduce anxiety. Here’s 5 things to keep in mind when anxious!
5 things to keep in mind when anxious
It’s okay to feel anxious. This is important and it’s something you should always remember. There is still some stigma around mental health and anxiety, but that should not deter you. Your thoughts and feelings are valid, and if you are feeling anxious, it’s okay. Sometimes there may be a reason, sometimes not; but that doesn’t discount your feelings.
You’re in the present moment. Anxiety is the worry, fear and uncertainty of what will happen in the future. You may be worried about something going wrong in the future or something that’s happened in the past. However, right now, you’re in the present moment and nothing has happened. Just reel yourself back into the present moment, and you might start to feel better.
It’s short-term. Your anxious thoughts and feelings are not permanent and will pass. You are feeling anxious and scared, but you can reduce it within moments, and even if you can’t, it’s okay; soon it will go away. When anxious, your body produces more cortisol, which increases your stress levels and your amygdala, which controls emotions is also on overdrive. However, after a few moments of calm, your system will reset and your worries will reduce. If you remember that it’s temporary, you’ll improve your response to anxiety. As a result, you will reduce anxiety as well.
Breathing helps. Your breath is your ally at times of difficulty. It can help you relax, reset, calm down and manipulate the way you feel. All you need to do is take a few deep breaths, and you can find instant relief from your anxiety. For even more relief, try a few cycles of a technique called belly breathing. It will help you slow down your heart rate and take your mind off any thoughts causing you anxiety.
You’re going to be okay. When anxious, you start feeling scared, worried and even fear for your safety. However, it’s important to try and remember that wherever you are, especially if you’re indoors, you are safe and it’s going to be okay. You are going to get through it and stay safe, no matter what. You’re not in any imminent danger even though it may feel that way. If you can keep this in mind, it’s half the battle won to reduce anxiety.
By keeping these things in mind when anxious, you’re giving yourself a platform to feel better, manage anxiety and ensure things don’t get worse. Your anxiety can get better, you can reduce anxiety within moments and even positive affirmations and food can help. Keep yourself grounded, learn tips on how to reduce anxiety and you will be okay. What matters is knowing how to react and respond during these times to help reduce any anxiety you are feeling.
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