If you're one of the 40 million adults in the United States who suffer from anxiety, you're probably all too familiar with the feeling of your heart racing, your palms sweating, and your mind going a mile a minute. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution for anxiety, there are a number of things you can do to manage your symptoms and get back to living your life. Here are six coping mechanisms that can help you deal with anxiety:
1. Identify your triggers. Anxiety is often triggered by specific situations or events. By taking the time to identify what sets off your anxiety, you can start to avoid or prepare for those situations.
2. Challenge your negative thoughts. Anxiety can cause you to have negative and intrusive thoughts. Once you identify these thoughts, you can start to challenge them. Are they really true? What evidence do you have to support them?
3. Breathe. When you're feeling anxious, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. This can make your symptoms worse. Taking a few deep breaths can help to slow down your breathing and calm your nerves.
4. Get moving. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Even a short walk can help to clear your head and ease your anxiety symptoms.
5. Connect with others. Spending time with friends and loved ones can help to reduce anxiety. Talking about your anxiety with someone who understands can also be helpful.
6. Seek professional help. If your anxiety is severe or interfering with your daily life, it's important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to identify and manage your anxiety.