Everyone understands what it’s like to feel the rush of anxiety. Maybe it’s right before a big presentation or watching your kids walk to their first day of school. Nervousness is a normal part of being an adult, but if your worries and fears start preventing you from living your daily life, you might have more than nervousness. Anxiety disorders affect around 40 million American adults. The good news is that there are ways to recognize the signs of anxiety and combat it. Here’s what to look for physically and emotionally.
Physical
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Trembling
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
Emotional
- Feeling jittery
- Overwhelming dread
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Over-alertness
- Anticipating the worst outcomes
While these physical and emotional signs of anxiety can be scary and overwhelming, knowing them can help you recognize your anxiety in the moment and combat it. Here are a couple of ways to do just that.
Pause
Start by taking a moment to close your eyes and breathe deeply. This can help you calm your mind and think rationally about the task at hand.
Think
Sometimes, our anxiety stems from our inability to know the future. Instead of trying to figure everything out at once, try thinking of ways to get through the next hour or day. This can help relieve some of the pressure you feel and teach yourself positive coping mechanisms.
Journal
Keeping a worry journal can help you express your anxieties in a healthy way. It can also help you work through certain scenarios, giving you the ability to know outcomes and have control over specific situations.
Talk
Try talking through your anxieties with a close friend or family member. Talking about the things that upset us can help us work through our anxieties. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing these issues with family and friends, consider utilizing a therapist to help you work through your worries.
Accept
There’s no way we can know every outcome or situation we will be presented within our lives. Accepting the uncertainties of life can help you deal with anxiety or even eliminate it.
Ask
If your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, it might be time to ask for help. Your physician can discuss your options for controlling our anxiety or even recommend a therapist or life coach.
Want to talk more about anxiety or need help identifying the signs? Make an appointment with us today.
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/effects-on-body#4
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-disorders-and-anxiety-attacks.htm
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