Minimize Anxiety With These Tips

Anxiety is our normal reaction to stress, but when our reaction becomes excessive to the point that we dread normal, daily situations, it becomes an actual disorder. Anxiety disorder affects many people and can cause physical symptoms that include muscle tension, trembling, irritability, sweating and fatigue. Anxiety can be managed with lifestyle changes and therapy, and, in severe cases, it can be managed with medication. Approaching everyday situations with a different outlook can help you minimize anxiety.

Tips for Minimizing Anxiety

• Manage your stress to keep anxiety at bay. Approach each day with a positive attitude, and accept the fact that there will be situations you cannot control the outcome of.

  Be assertive, but don't be aggressive. Assert your opinions, beliefs and feelings to express yourself positively. Passive, angry and defensive approaches serve only to heighten stress and anxiety.

  Surround yourself with a supportive network of family and friends. Seek out friendships and relationships with loved ones, and avoid people who add to your stress or don't respect your need to minimize your anxiety.

  Manage your time effectively. Create a list of daily tasks and goals, and do your best to accomplish them. Don't beat yourself up if you don't get to everything on your list. Remember, tomorrow is another day and another chance to take care of anything you might have missed today.

  Learn relaxation techniques, and practice them regularly. Regular exercise can also help your body fight off stress and anxiety. Just 20 minutes of brisk walking each day is enough to keep your body fit and prepared to deal with anxiety and physical ailments.

  Maintain a well-balanced diet. Eat three regular meals, and consume fatty foods, sugary foods and alcoholic beverages in moderation.

  Get a good night's rest. Poor sleep or not enough of it sets the stage for stress and anxiety.

When to Seek Help

• If you are unable to effectively minimize stress on your own, don't hesitate to seek out a supportive mental health professional. A therapist or psychologist is trained to help you manage stress and anxiety. A mental health professional can provide support services and make referrals if medication may be necessary.