Anxiety is common in patients and may manifest in many different ways, such as being angry, dismissive, withdrawn or even sarcastic. Handling anxiety can make a big difference to a situation for both someone who suffers from it and the person trying to care for him or her. Here are some ways patients can deal with anxiety.
Breathe deeply
When you are tense, you tend to breathe shallowly. Focusing on your breathing is a common way to help calm your nerves. Concentrate on breathing in and out. Listen to the movement of your breath. Call your mind back if it tries to go elsewhere.
Use complementary and alternative therapies
Reflexology, meditation, yoga, aromatherapy and other complementary therapies may help you to deal with your anxiety. Many health stores stock alternative remedies and should be able to offer you advice.
If you have been advised to give up smoking and are worried about the anxiety you may feel if you do, it may help you to take up vaping. Vaping360 offers starter vape kits.
Realize your fears may be irrational
Anxiety usually stems from fear and this can be rational or irrational. The fear motivates a stress response in your body which can cause many physiological, psychological and emotional changes. Your rapid heartbeat does not mean that you’re having a heart attack.
If you often experience anxiety, you probably think of worst-case scenarios. If you want to try and get perspective, ask yourself these questions:
- What’s the worst that could happen?
- What’s the best that could happen?
- What’s most likely to happen?
Surrender to the moment
Desperately trying to control events that can’t be controlled makes you rather like a swimmer who panics and starts beating the water instead of lying back and trying to float. It may seem like a paradox but surrendering to the moment can help you feel more in control.
Talk to someone you trust
It can be a relief to talk to someone you trust about your anxiety. If you aren't able to open up to someone close to you, call a helpline and talk to someone. Getting your anxieties off your chest seems to help relieve some of the pressure.
Keep a diary
It may be helpful to keep track of what makes you anxious and when you feel panic. This could help you to find patterns and see what triggers the experiences. You might start noticing the early warning signs of a panic attack.
All of this could help you to manage your anxiety better. You should also make notes of progress you make as this can help to encourage you.
Look after your physical health
Factors that can contribute to anxiety are a lack of sleep, an unhealthy diet no exercise. Sleep is necessary to help your body to recover. Eating regularly and making sure your blood sugar levels are stable makes a difference your mood. Exercise can be particularly helpful for your mental wellbeing.