Alleviating Anxiety

Anxiety shows up in so many different ways. Sometimes, it’s a very physical reaction and you might not even know what’s going on inside your own body.

We have a lot of experience with anxiety in our family. It has shown up in some scary and surprising ways. Today’s post is about how, as an adult, you can deal with the anxiety showing up in your life.

Maybe that shows up as your child not getting ready for school in the mornings and potentially making you late for work. Or, maybe it’s that your ex doesn’t think your child has anything wrong with him.

This month marks a year long look into stress and anxiety when it comes to being the parent of a child with special needs.

Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety can cause your heart rate to beat faster than it normally would for no apparent reason.

You can get cramps in your stomach that are so sharp, you’ll wonder if you need to go to the doctor.

Breathing escalates and a thousand thoughts race through your mind.

You might even feel as if you’re about to pass out.

In fact, your entire body, from head to toe can be affected by this feeling.

The most important aspect of dealing with anxiety that you should know is that you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with this and find that when they seek help, they learn how to deal with this very real feeling.

What is Anxiety?

There are different types of anxiety.

The most common type is when people feel anxious when they have an important meeting or when the boss calls them into the office and they’re not sure why. Those are pretty normal feelings of anxiety.

The root of anxiety is found deep within the body in what’s known as our danger center. You’ve heard of the fight or flight reaction, right? The feeling that we must fight or flee.

This is actually a protective instinct that everyone has and adrenaline is often a by-product of anxiety. That’s why people can sometimes do seemingly superhuman feats.

Now that you understand what anxiety is, let’s take a look at how people can work on alleviating anxiety.

Change

Know that you can’t always avoid the stressful situation.

What you can change is your response to that situation. In other words, you can take action, instead of just reacting. If you’re in the middle of a stressful experience and can take a break, then do it. Go away from the event, the person or even the thoughts and do something else. Give yourself permission to take a mental break.

If you can’t get away from it, work with a coach or someone close to you who can help you dig through what is causing the fear.

Do what you can to simplify your life. If you currently live a lifestyle where there’s a lot of chaos because life seems to happen around you, put up some stop signs. Stop rushing around in the mornings trying to get ready for your day.

Get everything you need to do in the morning ready before you go to bed. Write out a list of what needs to be accomplished. Rather than making you feel worse, a list will help break down what seems overwhelming into manageable portions.

Take some time to come up with an “if this, then that” plan.
If your child doesn’t get out of bed and ready in time for her ride, then she doesn’t get computer time for the day. Make sure she knows it. Have the “if this, then that” list written out where she can see it.

Alleviating anxiety differs from person to person.

Some find it helpful to buy self help books or programs. Others need the use of medication and therapy. Whatever works for you, know that you don’t have to live with anxiety ruling your life.

Join our list so you can continue to learn how to deal with anxiety in your life this year.

Let’s make it a happier, easier year!