There’s nervous. There’s scared. And then, there’s anxious.
Anxiety is a high-intensity form of stress. When it hits someone, the world feels like it’s collapsing around them.
They feel helpless.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are 3 ways you can stop worrying and quickly alleviate your anxiety.
Cut the Caffeine
Why do we drink caffeine? It gives us a sudden burst of energy that gets us through our most sluggish moments.
Coffee and soda boosts are great for the college student cramming in a late night study session, or for the busy professional working an 8-5.
For someone with anxiety? Not so much.
When you’re anxious, the last thing you need is the jitters. Substitute your coffee for either decaf or something with less sugar and caffeine—and drink more water too!
Gratitude Journaling
The anxious mind is riddled with pessimism and fear. Anxious people worry less about the present and more about the future.
So how do you keep your mind in the here and now? List out all of the things you’re grateful for. That could include people, places, experiences, pets, objects, and circumstances, just to name a few.
Journaling is PERFECT for this! When you write those things down on paper, they escape our minds and become a little less intimidating to face.
Thinking about the best aspects of your life helps you remember the positive and flush out the negative.
Breathe Properly
You can control a large chunk of anxiety by simply controlling your breathing.
When people get anxious, they tend to breather shorter and quicker than normal. That only speeds up the heart rate and fuels anxiety.
Instead, try to take slower, larger, more rhythmic breaths. Keep your body as inactive as possible so your heart rate doesn’t speed up; lie down, if needed.
Note: This post is not a long-term solution for anxiety. Please consult your local mental health care professional for long-term guidance and solutions.
