How Do You Deal With Worry or Anxiety?

5 Ways to Deal With Anxiety and Worry

Everyone has feelings of anxiety, nervousness, tension, and stress from time to time. Here are 5 ways to help manage them:

1. Become a relaxation expert. We all think we know how to relax. But chilling out in front of the TV or computer isn't true relaxation. (Depending on what you're watching or doing, it could even make you more tense.) The same is true for alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. They may seem to relieve anxiety or stress, but it's a false state of relaxation that's only temporary. What the body really needs is a relaxation technique — like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga — that has a physical effect on the mind. For example, deep breathing helps to relax a major nerve that runs from the diaphragm to the brain, sending a message to the entire body to let go and loosen up.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Connect with nature. Heading out for a walk in the park or a hike in the woods can help anyone feel peaceful and grounded. (Choose somewhere you feel safe so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.) Walking, hiking, trail biking, or snowshoeing offer the additional benefit of exercise. Invite a friend or two — or a family member — along and enjoy feeling connected to people as well.
5. 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.

Note: When anxiety or worry feels extreme, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. For someone who has an anxiety disorder, getting proper care from a heath professional is important. These tips can help, but professional treatment is the only way to get rid of an anxiety disorder.

Is it Okay to Be Angry?

Is it okay to be Angry??? Have you ever felt like you just had to put on a happy face and go about your day, even though you were steaming mad about an argument you’d just had with your parents? a misunderstanding with a close friend? a teacher that was getting on your nerves? Everyone gets angry from time to time, and it’s completely normal!! But there are healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with those feelings, both for you and the people around you. Read on to find out how to channel your anger in healthy ways. What NOT to do While it can be bad for your emotional as well as your physical health to keep anger bottled up inside and hope it will just got away on its own, it can be just as damaging to let all that anger out in one great bit violent outburst. Did you know that anger could lead to major health problems like ulcers and heart disease? Not to mention it’s just plain stressful! What CAN you do? Learn how to express your feelings without over-reacting. Take a step back and gain some perspective on the situation – things can often seem much worse when emotions are running high. Take a deep breath and count to ten. Then try these tips: · ADMIT IT. Tell someone you trust – a friend, family member, or even your pet! – about it. Or, write in a journal. Anything to help you get it off your chest without over-reacting is a great start so that those feelings don’t stay bottled up and re-surface later on. · DISTRACT YOURSELF. Sometimes it’s good to take some time away and concentrate on something else for a while. Think about a fond memory that always makes you smile, play with your pet, go for a long walk, play a sport… whatever helps you feel more relaxed and in control. · DEAL WITH IT. Confront the source of your anger if possible, but do it in a calm, cool, and collected manner. Think about what you want to say before you say it, or consider writing a letter. Once you’ve done this, be sure to let the other person have his or her say. Be open to whatever explanation he or she might have, and don’t hold a grudge. · LEARN FROM IT. Reflect on what you can take away from the experience that you can incorporate into your future interactions. · ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT. Sometimes it’s hard to cope with feelings of anger alone. If you feel that you might benefit from some professional help, Reach out!! Find an organization in your community that can help you get the support you need. A visit to your family doctor or a call to 211 are great places to start to find this information. Source: http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page