Everyone knows what it is to feel anxious at times. However, for some, it’s more of a prevalent state. Anxiety has much in common with fear but when we speak of fear it is usually in respect to definite object or circumstance. With anxiety we may not even know what we are really anxious about. It is important to get a handle on this feeling so that we are more in control of our own lives.
When you are in a state of anxiety your heart will race, you may sweat and have shaky hands. An irrational feeling of fear will pervade. The root cause of almost any worry is a feeling of weakness or inability to cope with some difficulty. Feelings of inadequacy, guilt and insecurity tend to prevail.

PRACTICAL ADVICE TO REDUCE WORRY

• MAKE LISTS
When you feel extremely anxious make a list of the feelings you’re having and what you think they mean. If you feel your hands tingling and going numb do you think you are going to have a stroke? No, most probably you are hyperventilating. If you slow down your breathing it will get better. Having a list with facts can reassure you.

• COPING RESOURCES
Find ways to alleviate your worry. Book a massage. If you feel you can’t afford this phone round to beauty schools who sometimes offer discounted treatments as a way of having their students gain practice.
Join a support group to find out how others have managed anxiety. Others may have developed techniques that work well for you. Do something physical which will allow you to release built up tension.

Listen to calming music which you enjoy. Listening to a radio station which plays either classical music or easy listening is good companionship as well.

Take a hot bath.

• IMAGINE
Imagining a quiet place , somewhere peaceful and calm and allow yourself to let go and momentarily calm down. It is particularly useful when trying to fall asleep. Imagine your anxiety floating towards the sky like a balloon. Let it go.

Break the Cycle
Anxiety tends to foster vicious cycles. Physical symptoms of anxiety may lead you to believe that you suffer from some serious illness, rarely the case. A few worries can mushroom into a weighty suitcase that you drag around with you every day. Nip that first preoccupation in the bud. If you are having heart palpitations you can safely assume that this is an anxiety response. Breathe deeply and be brave enough to honestly ask yourself why you feel this way. Break the worry down into smaller parts and tackle one at a time.

Take Control
Incessant worrying usually arises because you feel you can do nothing to change your situation. This is rarely the case. You cannot always change things that happen but you can change the way you view them. Be kind to yourself and talk to yourself positively. Try not to say “I can’t”. Say “I will overcome this”. If taking control means contacting a professional then do so. It is a sign of strength to know when we need help. Avoidance will merely perpetuate the anxiety.