Friday Motivation: Coping With Anxiety.


By Phumzile Mavimbela

Depression and anxiety have been the most talked-about topic and news headlines this week. This has as a result spiked panic in people's hearts about the ability to identify anxiety and depression triggers. According to Medical News, there are many reasons why a person may feel anxious. Some reasons include :

Financial Troubles 
work-related stress
Health Problems.
Drug use 
social relationships
trauma

Anxiety may increase due to health-related conditions. Certain situations can also trigger symptoms.
Some health conditions may increase anxiety. For example, someone with chronic pain might experience regular anxiety. " Some people find that job interviews cause high levels of anxiety, for instance. However, this type of anxiety, which people may refer to as situational, is usually temporary. In some cases, underlying health problems might cause symptoms similar to those of anxiety. For example, some conditions cause heart palpitations or sweating." 

 

Tips on how to cope in situations of anxiety : 


It is helpful to have a few coping techniques for dealing with anxiety or worry. Here are some examples of quick coping methods that might help:


Breathing
This simple technique is easy to learn and apply when feeling anxious.Some people react to anxious situations by breathing faster, which can worsen stress and anxiety. Consciously slowing the breathing down can control the anxiety.


The technique for this involves:


  1. breathing in slowly through the nose
  2. holding the breath in for several seconds
  3. breathing out slowly
  4. repeating a few times until the anxiety reduces and the heart rate returns to normal

An older studyTrusted Source by researchers at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas found that capnometry-assisted respiratory training reduced symptom severity in people with panic disorder. Capnometry-assisted respiratory training is a type of breathing therapy that promotes slow, mindful breathing. The participants performed breathing exercises twice a day in this study. Panic disorder is different than anxiety, but the conditions share some symptoms.

Meditation

It takes time to master meditation, but it can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety. A 2018 study found that a single meditation session significantly reduced anxiety levels, as well as decreasing the physical stress on the arteries.


Other relaxation techniques

Activities such as yoga or tai chi are also helpful for promoting relaxation and helping reduce anxiety and stress.


Guided imagery

When someone is feeling anxious about a situation or task ahead of them, guided imagery can help. This practice involves imagining completing the task that is causing anxiety calmly and successfully.
For instance, imagining finishing an important meeting or event before it happens can reduce anxiety about it.
Some people also find it beneficial to visualizeTrusted Source an environment in which they feel safe and relaxed.



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