A few handy tips to deal with Anxiety

Who hasn’t suffered from anxiety in some shape or form?  If you don’t, then that’s amazing. The world is moving quickly, 24hours, always connected and moving.  It can be tough to deal with at times. Anxiety is one of those strange emotions that can creep up on you either mentally or manifest as something physical. It can be the dread in your stomach at having to work on something, the feeling of not wanting to get out of bed in the morning.  It can be an accumulation of things going on and feeling like you’re on the edge of crying or breaking down at any moment. There have been times when I have found work to be the source of my anxiety for example.  It will take me a moment to realise what is going on and then I start actioning tools to help me move forward.  Here are some of the things that I do to ease my anxiety:

1. “This too shall pass” I remember this wonderful phrase that a yoga teacher said to me a while ago.  She would always say it during class at some point referencing how we were on the mat.  It’s true and simple.
2. Meditation is a great way to relax the mind and there is no such thing as a bad meditation.  It is what it is. Simple working on being present can do wonders to relax your mind.  I find that when I meditate it really helps my overall happiness. I am relaxed, feel less stressed in situations but I when I am feeling great I tend to let the meditation habit slip more than it should.  It’s a funny old thing resisting sitting quietly when you know it brings you wonders.
3. Gratitude is the best attitude.  I ask friends around me on the spot to name three things that they are grateful for.  It really hones in what is important and not taking anything for granted. Even on the worst day, I am sure you can think of things like being alive, having good health overall, a roof over your head, food to eat, running water, wonderful family and friends.  Or you can get really granular on what you feel grateful for.
4. Yoga and gentle exercise help to clear the cobwebs away and release endorphins that will naturally make you feel happier.  
5. Ask for help.  This can be from friends, family or even a professional like your doctor or a therapist.  I’ve seen a couple of different therapists over the years and I’ve found them to be incredibly supportive with dealing with anxiety.  Remembering that you are not alone is important. I am sure when you open up to friends and family that they will share with you their own experiences.  
6. Looking at all the great things you’ve been doing.  I had a coaching call which is part of my current study program.  I had been talking about all the plates I am juggling, my fears, feelings of not achieving anything or progressing.  My coach pointed out to me all of the amazing things I have been achieving over the time that we’ve been working together.  When she said them back to me I had that realisation that actually I am in action and working away. The self pressure and wanting to get there faster was blinding me and making me feel worried.  Don’t worry if you don’t have a coach. Write them down or ask a friend to help reflect back on what you have achieved and been working on.