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How to tame anxiety and keep depression at bay

  

Date Posted: 1/1/2018 1:08:33 PM

Posted By: Chiry  Membership Level: Silver  Total Points: 297


Anxiety can be described as an emotion characterized by uncontrollable dread or fear of the uncertainties in the future. It could also be brought by memories about an event or happening from the past that might have traumatized an individual to some level and caused them to develop phobias. The individual therefore lives in constant fear of the recurring of the event, therefore causing anxiety. Anxiety however occurs normally during our daily lives. We have all experienced butterflies, sweaty palms and a racing heartbeat before delivering a speech or when anticipating an event. All that is perfectly normal except when it goes out of proportion and starts negatively affecting one's life. Such individuals start suffering from chronic anxiety disorders and depression. It is therefore prudent to learn how to deal with anxiety and its effects before things get out of hand.

One of the best ways to curb anxiety is to live the present. Why constantly worry about the future especially when there is nothing you can do about it? Let go of things you have no control of. Bringing stressful memories from the past equally does you no good. Worrying may sometimes seem inevitable but its possible to avoid it by trying your best to destruct your mind from wandering far through various activities.

Anxiety affects one's breathing patterns and at such times learning to control your breathing is key. Experiencing shallow, fast breathing before presenting yourself in an interview? Take a minute to bring your breathing under control by taking deep breaths and holding for a few seconds. This helps to balance the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood therefore reducing the anxiety symptom.

Good music also helps to manage anxiety. When you feel all stressed and unsettled before an event, take time to listen to music that conveys reassuring

messages that help you relax and feel positive. You should however be careful about the music you choose to listen to at such times because negative messages will further worsen the anxiety.

Talking to positive people about your worries greatly reduces the anxiety. Talk to a close friend who you feel deeply understands you. Their encouragements and reassurances leave you feeling better prepared and relaxed. They leave you with positive energy which greatly boosts your self-image therefore helping to bring anxiety under control.

Engage in relaxing activities. Find something you deeply enjoy doing, which might be taking a walk in a silent environment, taking your pet out or playing with a child. Whichever your favourite activity may be, doing it while feeling anxious helps you relax your mind. It also effectively destructs you from your worries and gives you a peace of mind.

Aerobic activities and physical exercises also provide great relief from anxiety. Any form of vigorous activity is known to positively impact the body, by improving blood circulation and causing the release of feel good hormones that greatly boost one's moods. Exercise is therefore a good way to wade of worries and anxiety.

Getting enough sleep is key to curbing anxiety and its effects. Staying up late the evening before an event can cause uncontrollable levels of anxiety. It's normal to feel excited and even take time to fall asleep at such times but one should be in bed early enough. Sometimes, however, elevated levels of recurrent anxiety may lead to a vicious cycle where lack of sleep causes anxiety and the reverse is also true.

Look around your living room or working table. Are there papers all piled up, dirty utensils on the table or general disorganization? Disorder is said to worsen anxiety. Take a moment to tidy up your space and keep things looking neat. This helps to bring your mind to a state of peace therefore reducing anxiety.



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