Dealing with Anxiety and Stress

 Dealing with Anxiety and Stress

It’s a Monday.  Just finally had a chance to rest from work and the kids and now back to the grind.  It is snowing and your late for work.  The dreaded march of doom when you walk into work and hour late.  You get the stares.  

How about crossing over the big bridge in your car.  A simple car ride and you dread having to go over the highway bridge.  Something most people take for granted, but you are a ball of nerves when you approach the exit.  You start hyperventilating that you won’t make it over.  I am not even going to go into the dreadful thoughts that come into mind.

It is the big test day and you are getting graded on a group project as well.  Mr. MacArthur holds the key to completing the class.  You have to stand up in front of everyone and complete a speech on the 1500’s.  Your palms are sweaty, knees weak, mom’s spaghetti.  What to do, What to do.  You obsess over what the class is going to think of you ahead of time.

You are moving in a week.  After living with your parents that were hoarders you have to get the house on the market after you clean it out.  You don’t even know where to begin.  There is clutter everywhere.  Mounds of collectible things, old toys, junk galore in the attic.  You don’t know what you are going to do under pressure with a time limit and it begins to snow out to top it off.

Here are just a few things that some people deal with.  As a person that suffers with anxiety for many many years, I have learned over time how to handle it.  I will suggest a few coping skills that you can use whenever you go through something like this.

One big magic tool that has worked for me is meditation.  Most people might think it is for some gurus to teach sitting in a monk monastery, but that isn’t the case.  It is such a common practice now.  It is also free.  If you have the time try to go on Youtube where you will find guided meditations.  It is important to use it regularly.  In my college class, thanks to Dr. Payne, I learned that the more one changes a specific behavior, the more the negative effect diminishes.  The key is you have to keep up with it regularly.

In guided meditation, a speaker will guide a person with imagery to imagine while listening to relaxing music and also sometimes do breathing exercises along with it.  You find a comfortable position and meditate along with the speaker.  It usually lasts about 10 mins give or take.  The more you practice this the more at peace you may feel.

Other things that help is distraction.  A good book will help this.  Try visiting your local library or Barnes and Nobles store to find a good fiction book.  Reading will help you get your mind on something else and onto some sort of journey with a favorite character.  Movies and TV work the same way.  I suggest reading though because you are stimulating your imagination.  Ever wonder why kids are so calm and happy after playing make believe.  All in the imagination.

Music helps relax you also.  Try a specific genre but try making a “happy” playlist of your favorite songs.  If not try to find new songs out there.  If you are used to sticking to one genre try a new one.  There are millions of songs out there to experience.

Art is another good avenue.  Try taking a painting class or molding some clay.  Even baking or cooking can be relaxing. 

These are just some things that might help you relax before dealing with a stressful situation.  You don’t necessarily get rid of the anxiety all together, but you will have some relief in the interim.