By Sami Shields of ContemporaryVA
We all worry. We are anxious about money, our relationships, work, our health, our family’s health, and pretty much anything else we care about that we can’t absolutely control. We think about overwhelming tasks when we wake up and fall asleep thinking about what calamity tomorrow could bring. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s more exhausting — the things we worry about or the worry itself. You may sometimes find yourself asking, Am I going to be this anxious for the rest of my life?

One technique for gaining control over your anxiety is to notice when you experience it. Is it when you’re around certain people? At a certain time of day or at night? What are the thought patterns? Are you reading the news, watching television, scrolling through social media sites? Asking these kinds of questions can help identify triggers that set off your anxiety. Here are some great ways to help relieve your anxiety.

Get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise. Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life’s ups and downs? Get the right amount of sleep for your needs — not too much or too little. Eat well: Choose fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for long-term energy (instead of the short bursts that come from too much sugar or caffeine). And exercise to send oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can operate at their best.

Think positive. A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive. Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the best that could happen.

Connect with others. Spend time with friends or family. Organized activities are great, but just hanging out works too. Doing things with those we feel close to deepens our bonds, allowing us to feel supported and secure. And the fun and sharing that go with it allow us to feel happier and less upset about things. If you feel worried or nervous about something, talking about it with someone who listens and cares can help you feel more understood and better able to cope. You’ll be reminded that everyone has these feelings sometimes. You’re not alone.

Exercise, Relaxation, and Massage. Exercise is another commonsense effort for reducing anxiety! Find an activity that’s enjoyable for you, or you won’t stick with it. Walk with a friend, get a workout tape you like, join a gym that’s close to home or work—whatever works best for your situation. Massage seems like a luxury, but when your health and mental well being are involved, it may be worth the expense. (Even use of a massage chair has shown beneficial results!) Schedule relaxation time during the day, even if just for short intervals. Give your mind and body a break. Make time for some “fun” in what is often a stress-packed day.

Practicing these techniques may not totally take away your anxiety, but it will give you some relief!
What are you currently struggling with? Let us know in the comments below or send a message here.