Take Control of Your Life: 4 Tips on How to Avoid Anxiety
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Take Control of Your Life: 4 Tips on How to Avoid Anxiety
Life is full of daily stressors. The constant need to juggle familial obligations, work responsibilities, and social commitments can often create intense feelings of overwhelming. Although some people can push through these emotional and mental barriers, others are met with paralyzing fear and worry that prevent them from living productive and meaningful lives. Familiarizing yourself with a few basic tips can help you keep your anxiety at bay. Visit Blueprint to Wellness often for the resources you need to live your best life.
1. Understand Your Triggers
Do you shy away from large gatherings, dread public speaking, or avoid visiting the doctor? It is important to have a thorough understanding of the situations, or triggers, that cause you such distress. Once you have identified any culprits, you can brainstorm ways to combat them. Slowly and purposefully exposing yourself to feared scenarios may be beneficial to minimize uncomfortable physical sensations that your anxiety produces.
2. Regularly Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise is not only great for your physical well-being, but it is also an excellent way to keep your mental and emotional health in check. Research shows that working out can minimize anxiety through the release of serotonin, endorphins, and other natural hormones. Yoga, spinning, and aerobics classes may be an ideal option for those wishing to participate in a group setting while walking, swimming, and running can be done independently.
3. Find Meaningful Work
Not all jobs are conducive for individuals who are easily prone to stress. Do you find yourself constantly worrying about tomorrow’s work responsibilities after you’ve left the office? Maybe your current job is not the right fit for you. It is never too late to consider a career change. If quitting your job to go back to school isn’t feasible, you may want to consider enrolling in an online program so you can be flexible with your classes and work schedule. Gaining a degree to become an entrepreneur, IT professional, or healthcare practitioner may be exciting, especially if you are looking to work in a relaxed and positivity-based environment.
4. Identify a Support System
It is common for people to refrain from sharing intimate aspects of their lives, whether it is due to embarrassment, fear of judgment, or pride. Do you have trusted friends or family who you feel comfortable confiding in? Openly talking about fears or worries that you may be experiencing can help you overcome obstacles. Other individuals can give you advice on how to go about handling certain circumstances or simply serve as a safe outlet for you to express thoughts that you may be harboring internally.
Seeking the services of a psychologist or other licensed professional may be advantageous if you are looking for input from an unrelated third party. Given their extensive training, these individuals can aid you in developing positive thinking patterns and introduce you to a variety of coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations. An experienced professional may advise you to:
Ground yourself with controlled breathing
Journal about your emotions
Dedicate time to yourself
Find new hobbies
Spend time out in nature
Learning to avoid anxiety is often easier said than done. Educating yourself on how to minimize these feelings can help you take control of your life. Enjoy doing what you love without the unnecessary presence of worry and fear.
Contributions provided by Melissa Howard melissa@stopsuicide.info