by Sunshima Team
This year Mental Health Awareness Week is from 15 to 21 May and the focus is on anxiety. Whether is be frequently or only from time to time many of us experience anxiety at some point in our life. It can cause breathlessness, panic attacks and feelings of dread. You may feel tense, find it difficult to relax and have problems sleeping. Anxiety if left unchecked can seriously affect your quality of life. However, there are steps you can take to manage anxiety.
Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a simple and effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. By taking slow, deep breaths and focusing on your breath, you can slow your heart rate and reduce tension in your muscles. You can do this anywhere and anytime when you need to calm down or relax.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and it is particularly important for managing anxiety. Lack of sleep can make anxiety symptoms worse and increase feelings of stress and tension. On the other hand, getting enough sleep can help regulate your mood, reduce stress, and improve your ability to cope with anxiety.
Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is a natural stress reliever and can be an effective way to manage anxiety. Regular exercise can help reduce tension and increase your overall sense of well-being. It can also improve sleep, which can be particularly helpful for those who experience anxiety-related insomnia.
Find an activity you enjoy whether it be yoga, belly dancing or jogging and make time for it in your daily routine. Just remember any kind of regular exercise will help!
Get Help with Money Worries
It is not surprising that more of us are anxious over money due to the rise in the cost of living. However, you are not alone, help is at hand. Check that you are getting all your benefits with a benefit calculator and don’t be scared to reach out for non-judgemental money/debt advice. Contacting an organisation such as Citizens Advice, National Debtline or StepChange can provide some relief from the worries in your head. They can help you look at your situation and check your options.
Seek Support
Anxiety can be a challenging condition to manage on your own, so seeking support from loved ones, friends, or mental health professionals can be extremely helpful. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can provide you with strategies for managing anxiety and help you develop coping skills that work for you.
Practice self-care
Self-care is an important part of managing anxiety. This can include activities such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, spending time in nature, or doing something creative. Taking time for yourself can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Managing anxiety can be a challenge and there are things you can do to cope and reduce your symptoms. Remember, we are all different, so it is important to find what works best for you and to seek professional support if needed. You can also get help from Anxiety UK and the Samaritans. Don’t forget “We only have one life, don’t let anxiety take over yours.”