Five ways to deal with anxiety and stress

Lao, the ancient Chinese philosopher said, “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.”

Although healthy levels of stress can be good for our motivation and well-being, unhealthy stress is created from long-term emotions of sadness, anger and anxiety or a range of all these emotions. There are different types of stress all of which put our bodies under pressure and in turn affect our immune system.

As Lao articulated, anxiety is when we are fearful of something that might happen and, in turn, this affects our whole being; our emotions and physical health. Some symptoms include sweating, headaches and nausea. These symptoms are the body's way of preparing for the flight or fight instinct.

Here are a few tips to help with anxiety and stress:

1. Addressing the emotion

Anxiety requires us to take action while stress makes us want to mope, give up and do nothing. It is important to take action, so don’t be alone with your thoughts. Meet with friends, join a club or just be more sociable even when you don’t feel like it. Don’t allow the obsessive thoughts to control you as you can regain control.

2. What is the worst thing that can happen?

These obsessive thoughts create scenarios that are based on illusion and are a distorted view of your reality. Look at the facts of the situation and ensure you clarify what is the worst thing that can happen. Once we identify this reality you can put a plan in place or take action.

3. Face the fear

The emotions of fear can be the overwhelming cause of the pain rather than the actual situation itself. Once we start to face the fear head on, the fear will start to fade.

4. Go back to basics

Sleeping, a healthy diet and exercise will not only rebalance your emotions but will increase self-confidence and self-esteem.

5. Reward

Having fun, enjoying and treating yourself can at times feel selfish but this is a must for self-preservation and motivation.

If you have any questions regarding anxiety, stress, or depression please give me a call. Please feel free to share this article with friends and colleagues on social media.

Jo