Need to chillax? Too stressed? 1 in 10 of us are affected by anxiety. Add these ideas to your game-plan and lighten your load.
- Pick a time and place to do your worrying for just 30 minutes, and make it the same time and place every day. Don’t dwell on what “might” happen—focus on what is actually happening.
- Learn to relax. Yoga, muscle relaxation and deep breathing can all help. For muscle relaxation, simply lie down and focus on one muscle group at a time, starting with your feet or your head. Tense each muscle for a few seconds, then relax.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. Although they may seem to relax you while you are taking them, afterwards they can lead to even more anxiety and depression.
- Address the things that have made you anxious in the past. Picture yourself confronting these situations.
- Along with a healthy balance of daily exercise and sleep, reduce consumption of caffeine found in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate. Also avoid over-thecounter diet pills, and cough and cold medications.
- Talk about your problems. People who care about you may not know you are having a hard time. By venting your feelings to someone you trust (a friend, work colleague, family member) you will relieve some stress, and maybe find a solution. If you need to talk to someone outside your circle of family and friends, speak to your family physician or contact a mental health professional.
Source: hc-sc.gc.ca
