Life can be stressful. Those who have chronic anxiety have an extra challenge in coping with the daily challenges that life brings. The good news is you can overcome anxiety by making some simple changes in your life.
The consensus is that ongoing anxiety will destroy your body. That is even found in the Bible where Jesus tells people not to worry because it doesn’t add to your height but causes your bones to shrink.
Yet, dealing with anxiety is more complicated than many would think.
What Anxiety Does to the Body
Anxiety can take years off your life. It goes beyond negative thoughts to affect your nervous system. Anxiety can cause your heart to race, your hormones to rush and your blood pressure to rise.
It can cause stomach ulcers and bowel problems like IBS. Anxiety causes headaches, a lack of focus, and even dizziness. It can also disrupt your sleep.
All of these problems can cause horrible problems as people get older and continue to have them. They only worsen with time. This means people with severe anxiety must learn how to handle it for the sake of their health.
How to Handle Anxiety
There are two types of anxiety to deal with. Anxiety can come as an immediate panic attack or it can be a chronic underlying issue that plagues you like a low rumble of thunder.
Panic attacks can be handled with a pre-planned strategy. Be sure to plan out your strategy well aware of the next attack.
The first thing to do is leave the room for a minute and go somewhere else to catch your breath. Removing yourself from the situation for just a moment can do wonders.
Then, prioritize the problem. Think of what can be handled first and best. Realize you can’t do all of it at once. Take a deep breath and remember you can get through this situation.
A quick fix is to inhale lavender. A vial of essential oil is a great way to handle anxiety. You also can remove your focus from the problem at hand and think of something else. Clearing your head will help you work through the situation.
Long-Term Results
Managing anxiety over time requires a few lifestyle changes. Make your home, or at least a part of it, your personal refuge. You need a place to be by yourself, to think, to relax. Make time for yourself to do that.
Surround yourself with little things that help you relax. It could be flowers, candles or pictures. Creating a retreat atmosphere even at your desk or at home will lessen your anxiety.
Letting Go
The primary cause of anxiety is the feeling that nothing is within your control. Realize that you can’t control everything. Tackle what you can and let the rest fall to the side. Understanding the difference between what is within your control and what isn’t will make a world of difference.
Realize that much of what we experience daily really won’t matter in a year or two. Some of it won’t even matter in a week or two. Keeping things in perspective will help you adjust your anxiety levels to closer to normal.