5 Tips For Living With An Anxiety Disorder
While it is normal to experience stress from time to time, it should not take over your entire life. If you are constantly worried about everything and can't focus on the important things in your life, you may suffer from an anxiety disorder. The good news is that it is possible to manage this condition and live a normal life. Here are five helpful tips for living with an anxiety disorder:
Set Aside a Specific Time to Worry
Although it would be nice to stop worrying completely, it is not realistic. However, you can prevent these thoughts from taking over your work and family life by scheduling a specific time to worry each day. For example, you could choose to worry at 6 p.m. for 15 minutes every day. If you start to worry before that, you should remind yourself that you will have plenty of time to think about it later.
Take a Few Deep Breaths
When you are overwhelmed with anxiety, go into a quiet room, sit down and take a few deep breaths. Make sure to inhale and exhale slowly and focus on each breath. This sounds very simple, but it can actually help calm you down.
Spend Little Time With People Who Stress You Out
Are there certain people in your life who just make you anxious? If so, you should try to spend less with them. For instance, if your friend's family member stresses you out, you should try to avoid gatherings where that person is present.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
It is a good idea to challenge some of the negative thoughts in your head. For example, if you are nervous about failing an exam at school, you can remind yourself that you studied hard and know the material very well.
Talk to a Therapist
If you suffer from anxiety, it may help to talk to a trained therapist like those at Comprehensive Behavioral Health Associates Inc. Sharing your worries and fears with a nonjudgmental professional can help relieve some of your stress. A therapist can also teach you healthy ways to cope with your anxiety. Your therapist can help you determine how many counseling sessions a month are necessary for you.
Living with anxiety is definitely not always easy, but it does not have to make you completely miserable. If you follow these helpful tips, you can deal with your anxiety a lot better and become a much healthier and happier person.
