8 Tips for Managing Anxiety

It's likely that you've felt overwhelmed by your work and your life lately. That's because the modern world is designed to make us feel like we don't have enough time for everything, let alone anyone else. With smartphones, social media, and 24-hour news feeds becoming more prominent in our lives, it's no wonder that we're all feeling a little stressed as of late. But what if you could cut back on how much stress you were feeling? Or even eliminate some of that stress from your day entirely? That's the idea behind managing everyone's least favorite feeling (anxiety) - and there are many different ways to do so. In this article, we'll discuss 7 practical tips for managing anxiety.

Stay active when you’re feeling anxious

One of the best ways to manage anxiety is by staying active. When you're feeling anxious, it's easy to want to just sit down and lie low. But if you're going to stay active, you need to do so in a way that doesn't make your anxiety worse. For example, try running the next time you feel anxious - the movement will help get your mind off of whatever's bothering you. Or take a walk during your lunch break at work - that way, when you come back and are feeling anxious again, you'll have already done something physical and will be able to focus on work instead of how stressed out you're feeling.

Have a routine

The first thing you should do for managing your anxiety is to establish a routine. This will help you to make it easy for yourself to get through your day, and avoid overwhelming you with too much information. It will also help you to feel less anxious more often, as your brain can only process so many things at once.

Talk to your loved ones

One of the best ways to manage your anxiety is by talking to friends and family about what you're feeling. Research shows that people who confide in their loved ones are more likely to feel better than those who don't. It's a simple, low-cost way to show someone that you care about them without demanding anything from them in return. You can also talk to co-workers, especially if you feel like it's hard for your boss or co-workers to approach you when they need something. This might be because they're afraid of how you'll react or because there's just too much work on their plate at the moment. Talking with others can help you find the right balance between work and life so that everyone feels comfortable.

Breathe deeply

Breathing deeply is an effective way to manage stress. It has been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and bring relief. And when you breathe deeply, you also release oxytocin - a feel-good chemical that helps you relax. Research has shown that people who are more mindful of their breathing have better emotional regulation skills and less anxiety than those who aren't as mindful.

Related: How Can Meditation Help Relieve Depression and Anxiety?

Exercise and spend time outdoors

Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It's important to remember that you don't need to hit the gym every day, but try adding exercise to your daily life by getting off the couch and taking a walk around your neighborhood. The benefits of exercise are immense, including lower stress levels, improved mental health, and more energy. Spend some time outside too. Getting fresh air, and sunshine and being surrounded by nature can have major benefits for your stress levels. It's important to remember that spending time in nature doesn't always have to be outdoors either; you can also spend time at the beach or in a local park. Even just a few minutes in these places can make you feel better about yourself and relieve some of that anxiety from your day.

Related: Exercises to Release Fear and Anxiety to Bring Clarity and Calm

Don’t sweat the small stuff

Managing your anxiety begins with cutting back on the small stuff. When you're feeling anxious and overwhelmed, it's easy to take this to the extreme by stressing out over minor details that don't warrant such a reaction. Take a step back and realize that the rest of your life is going to go on just fine. You can worry about work, school, relationships, or finances later - all when you aren't so frazzled by little things in your day-to-day routine.

Take time for yourself every now and then

It can be easy to feel so busy, you forget to take time for yourself. But it's important to remember that work and life are not the only things in your life. It will never be possible to give every part of your day the same amount of attention, but you should still make time for self-care. Doing something for yourself will help keep you sane and give you a better perspective on how much effort you're putting into any one thing. Even if you don't have time for a full hour at home, even just 20 minutes can make all the difference in the world. Or maybe you want to try taking a walk or a bath while listening to some soothing music, write a journal or meditate- these types of activities will help ease your mind and body as well as clear your head and refocus your thoughts.

Related: It's The Little Things: Journaling To Cope With Anxiety

Wrapping up

1. Take a Breather: Our minds are often racing with thoughts and worries, so it's important to take some time to catch your breath. Whether that means taking a quick break from work or sitting down with your partner to have a chat, take time to focus on what is important in your life.
2. Talk it Out: If you're feeling anxious, it's important to talk it out with someone close to you who can listen without judgment or advice. It could be a friend or loved one, or perhaps it would be best for you to speak with a counselor about the situation at hand.

3. Set Boundaries: Letting go of control over our lives is one of the first steps towards managing anxiety effectively and efficiently. When we feel like we're always worried about what others think and how others will act towards us, we can't find peace within ourselves because we're always thinking about what other people want from us rather than focusing on our own needs. As hard as this may seem when you're overwhelmed by anxiety, setting boundaries for yourself and others are ultimately rewarding in the long run.

4. Get Some Exercise: Not only does exercise help manage stress levels related to anxiety, but it also has many benefits such as increased mood regulation and reduced inflammation in the body that can contribute to symptoms of anxiety disorders like panic attacks and phobias.