5 Simple Steps To Help Conquer Anxiety

We all have our moments of stress or feeling overwhelmed; it's just a part of life. However, anxiety is different than just a situational moment of panic, sometimes it's for no reason at all. You can't be blamed for feelings of anxiety. Sure, sometimes it can be an argument with a friend, work problems etc. Other time it may be no reason at all and you just feel anxious.

If you're an anxiety-sufferer you know there's nothing more frustrating than someone telling you to just "calm down" or "relax," it just doesn't work like that. While some cases of anxiety are a lot more extreme than others, here are a few things that have really worked for me over the past few years:

1. Talking About It 

Have you ever tried to hold in a sneeze? Exactly, you can't. This is how it feels to vent about frustrations or anxieties; sometimes you just have to let them out in order to feel better. I use the idea of talking out feelings across most issues within life but only because it's so helpful to the mind.

Sharing your anxieties with someone other than yourself can help make those worries seem a little bit easier when it's not just you dealing with it. Bottling up what's bothering you only let's those feelings fester and ultimately, drives you crazy. If you talk it out, you may feel like the weight of the problems are lifted a little bit, and you can possibly get some great feedback or advice from whomever you choose to share this with.

2. Reading 

Reading a good book is a great way to lower your anxiety level. This is an opportunity to literally get caught up and involved in someone else's story, which in turn, can help you forget about your worries. It can also act as some down time before you deal with whatever is bothering you again. You may be feeling really anxious or worked up, but reading can give you that time to relax and then come back to face the problem from a new, more relaxed perspective.

It's also a pretty relaxed activity, so if you're the type of person who find quiet, laid-back things helpful during stressful times this is perfect for you.

3. Working Out 

Working out is something that not everyone will find helpful but again, it may work for you. It can be anything from swimming, hiking, yoga etc. as long as you're participating in some type of semi-intense physical activity it can really help take your mind away from the worries, and focus solely on your activity.

There's something about focusing specifically on making your body feel busy that end up making you feel good. Exercise is not only great for your body, it also can serve as a way to make the anxiety come down and feel a little less intense.

4. Getting Alone Time 

Similar to the idea of working out, having alone to may or may not be the way to go. Some people prefer to surround themselves with people when they feel anxious but if you're anything like me, it can be good to carve out that alone time just for yourself.

Whether it's taking a hot bath, doing your nails or getting your hair done, having that alone time just for yourself can serve a great time to reboot and make yourself feel special for a bit. Being alone for however short or long you decide, can you help you gain some insight as to what really may be behind the anxiety or it can help you just to calm down in a time where you're feeling tense. 

5. Doing Your Favorite Things

We all have things that we absolutely love regardless of how we're feeling, what we love does not change. For example, maybe you love cuddling and watching a good movie, or taking a long walk. Doing something that you already associate as a positive thing within your life, can also serve as a way to lower anxiety.

When you feel anxious it's easy to become distracted by negative thoughts, thus feeling even more anxious. Try doing something you already know makes you feel good, and this can help keep you both distracted and less anxious.