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What are the Best Ways to Manage Anxiety?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Anxiety is a common problem that can take many forms, all the way from occasional worrying up to panic attacks that affect one's life. There are various ways to manage anxiety, each of which may work differently for different people. One of the best ways to manage anxiety is to try to identify the root of the cause; naming the problem can be the first step to helping it go away.

If anxiety becomes too debilitating to manage independently, or it begins to affect one's quality of life, it is important to visit a therapist or psychiatrist who may be able to help. Counseling and talk therapy can be excellent methods for managing anxiety, and a psychiatrist may be able to prescribe medication if necessary. These professionals will also be able to teach methods to manage and combat fears in everyday life.

Medication may be prescribed to help individuals with anxieties.
Medication may be prescribed to help individuals with anxieties.

If anxiety is an occasional problem caused by stress or worry, however, it may be possible to manage anxiety on one's own. For people who are stressed about time management or completing all projects at work on time, creating a daily schedule and getting organized can be a great way to reduce daily anxiety. For instance, some people are very stressed getting ready for work in the morning while getting their families out the door; it might be helpful to select clothes, make lunches, and set out car keys or important papers the night before in order to reduce anxiety in the morning.

Deep breathing may help manage anxiety.
Deep breathing may help manage anxiety.

Taking breaks for relaxation is another good way to manage anxiety. Be sure to get up and walk away from the desk during the day, or take a walk at lunch time; avoiding caffeine might also be a good idea for those prone to anxiety. If it is not possible to get up, try to do some stretching and deep breathing throughout the day whenever anxiety starts. If a certain situation frequently triggers anxiety or worry, try to understand why, and then come up with proactive solutions to prevent or manage the anxiety. Sometimes it is simply necessary to try something in order to get over a fear of it.

Talk therapy is one common method of managing anxiety.
Talk therapy is one common method of managing anxiety.

At the end of the day, taking a hot bath can be a great way to reduce stress and manage anxiety. Have a conversation with a spouse or friend, or play with a pet. Some people find that repeating a positive mantra silently to themselves can help them get through stressful situations, and can stop an anxiety attack in its tracks. It is important to find what works and keep doing it in order to combat anxiety.

Discussion Comments

Raynbow

@ocelot60- I do some simply stretching exercises along with deep breaths when I feel anxious. Stretching seems to help my muscles relax, which helps me feel calmer mentally and physically.

Ocelot60

This article makes a good point about taking small breaks each day to help you deal with anxiety. The breaks really do make a difference, even if you aren't able to leave the situation that is causing you to have anxious feelings.

Sometimes when I'm overwhelmed at work, I sit back at my desk for a few minutes, close my eyes, and take long, deep breaths. I exhale to the count of 10, and try to relax my muscles while do these breathing exercises. Take these little breaks helps me re-focus and relax enough to calm down and get on with my day.

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    • Medication may be prescribed to help individuals with anxieties.
      By: takasu
      Medication may be prescribed to help individuals with anxieties.
    • Deep breathing may help manage anxiety.
      By: bertys30
      Deep breathing may help manage anxiety.
    • Talk therapy is one common method of managing anxiety.
      By: emiliau
      Talk therapy is one common method of managing anxiety.
    • Spending time with a beloved pet can help people manage their anxiety.
      By: Gorilla
      Spending time with a beloved pet can help people manage their anxiety.
    • Drinking chamomile tea is known to assist in reducing anxiety levels.
      By: lily
      Drinking chamomile tea is known to assist in reducing anxiety levels.
    • Reading a book can help reduce anxiety.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Reading a book can help reduce anxiety.
    • Managing anxiety is an important part of getting a good night of rest.
      By: Focus Pocus LTD
      Managing anxiety is an important part of getting a good night of rest.
    • Some people with debilitating anxiety may need to seek treatment from a therapist.
      By: David Stuart
      Some people with debilitating anxiety may need to seek treatment from a therapist.
    • A warm bubble bath can help someone struggling with anxiety.
      By: iceteastock
      A warm bubble bath can help someone struggling with anxiety.
    • Severe anxiety disorder may result in the inability to work, parent or socialize.
      By: kmiragaya
      Severe anxiety disorder may result in the inability to work, parent or socialize.
    • Anxiety that isn't properly handled can result in disorientation.
      By: Marijus
      Anxiety that isn't properly handled can result in disorientation.
    • It's important to take time to enjoy simple things so anxiety doesn't become overwhelming.
      By: inesbazdar
      It's important to take time to enjoy simple things so anxiety doesn't become overwhelming.
    • Learning more about dental procedures can help a person manage their anxiety prior to an office visit.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Learning more about dental procedures can help a person manage their anxiety prior to an office visit.
    • Some people are able to talk themselves out of their anxiety attacks using logical reasoning.
      By: blanche
      Some people are able to talk themselves out of their anxiety attacks using logical reasoning.
    • Spending time with friends in a casual setting can help reduce anxiety.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Spending time with friends in a casual setting can help reduce anxiety.
    • Using different aromatherapy treatments can help a person deal with anxiety.
      By: luigi giordano
      Using different aromatherapy treatments can help a person deal with anxiety.