This week is Mental Health Awareness week 2023 and this year the theme is Anxiety. I work a lot with anxiety, it can become so overwhelming it seems to control your whole life if this is you then please do get in touch to find out how I can help and support you find ways of managing it. Luckily there are things you can do to help prevent things getting out of control for you, these things are well worn subjects, always themes of blogs (like this one) social media posts etc. mainly because they can always do with being reaffirmed, so here are 10 strategies for managing anxiety within the struggles of modern life (let me know your top tips in the comments);
1. Establish a Routine: Create a daily schedule that includes dedicated work hours, breaks, and leisure time. Having a structured routine can provide a sense of stability and control, reducing anxiety.
2. Set Boundaries: Clearly define boundaries between work and personal life. Designate a specific workspace and avoid working outside of those hours. This helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevents burnout. Set boundaries in your personal life as well, you don’t need to say yes to everything.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness techniques and meditation into your daily routine. These practices can help you stay present, reduce stress, and manage anxiety.
4. Stay Physically Active: Engage in regular exercise or physical activity. Physical movement releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Exercise also helps reduce anxiety and improves overall well-being. It can be anything from a slow walk to lifting weights, whatever works for you.
5. Take Regular Breaks: Break up long work sessions with short breaks. Use this time to stretch, go for a walk, or engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Stepping away from work periodically can improve focus and productivity. Maybe use the regular breaks to check in with yourself and see how you feel and what you need. Anxiety can be insidious and creep up slowly so checking in regularly can help nip it in the bud before it becomes overwhelming.
6. Practice Self-Care: Dedicate time to self-care activities that promote relaxation and self-nurturing. This can include hobbies, reading, taking baths, listening to music, or any activities that bring you joy and help you unwind.
7. Connect with Others: Stay socially connected with friends, family, and colleagues. Regularly communicate and engage with others through phone calls, video chats, or virtual meetings. Social support can alleviate feelings of isolation and reduce anxiety.
8. Set Realistic Goals: Break down tasks into manageable goals and prioritize them accordingly. Setting realistic expectations helps prevent feeling overwhelmed and reduces anxiety related to work performance. Once you have set the goals put the end target to one side and just focus on the next step.
9. Limit News and Social Media Consumption: Constant exposure to news and social media can increase anxiety levels. Set boundaries on how much time you spend consuming media and choose reliable sources that provide accurate and balanced information.
10. Seek Professional Help: If anxiety becomes overwhelming or persists despite self-help strategies, consider seeking support from a counsellor, such as myself. I can provide guidance, teach coping skills, and offer tailored interventions to manage your anxiety effectively.
Remember that everyone's experience with anxiety is unique, so it's important to find strategies that work best for you. It may take some trial and error, but with persistence and self-compassion, you can effectively manage anxiety.
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