Anxiety and How to Help Yourself
August 2nd, 2007
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by admin · Filed Under: Articles
Anxiety is a part of day-to-day life, but it can have negative impacts on anyone that experiences it. Anxiety is, basically, worries, fears, concerns, and panic. Sometimes anxiety becomes a vicious cycle where worry keeps on awake all night, resulting in worry about making in the next day, only to confront another night of worry.
There are proven techniques that you can use to help yourself when anxiety attacks, whether it is chronic anxiety or simply a short period of anxiety due to a specific situation.
Deep breathing techniques can an effective way to reduce anxiety. Simply sit up straight or stand and breathe slowly in to the count of four. Then breathe out very slowly to the count of five. Repeat 10 or more times to feel reduced anxiety.
Guided visualization is another self-help technique that can be effective. Simply lie down or sit comfortably, relaxing as much as possible. Begin to visualize in your mind the safest, most comfortable place you can imagine, perhaps a sea shore or mountain peak. Begin to feel safe and comfortable. Then, one at a time, beginning with your toes, tense and relax each muscle group. After 15 to 30 minutes, you’ll feel much less anxious.
Meditation is another technique many people find helps with anxiety. There are many forms of meditation and you can easily find one that appeals to you. You can learn from website or books how to perform the type of meditation you want to try.
Support groups where people who experience anxiety can be helpful as well. If you live in a city, you will probably be able to find a group near you. Call your local Help Line, counseling service or look in the telephone book or online to locate the nearest support group in your area.
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Rev. Alan Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-five years, speaks and writes on the topics of spirituality, self-help and self-improvement. To subscribe to his newsletter, Spiritual Solutions, click here
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