Anxiety disorders are considered to be the most common mental health concern in the U.S. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 40 million adults in the United States 18 and over suffer from an anxiety disorder, while 7% of children aged 3-17 experience issues with anxiety each year. Even if you are not necessarily suffering from an anxiety disorder, it is quite normal to still have feelings of anxiousness from everyday stressors.
For some, feelings of anxiety can be triggered when they have to speak in front of people, are worried about financial issues, have issues with a partner, or even just simply have a stressful commute to work one morning. Whether you suffer from a full-on anxiety disorder or experience the feelings on occasion, here are seven ways you can cope.
Learn your triggers
Identifying your triggers can be the first step in coping with anxiety. Do you feel anxious at work, home, school, or in your personal life? Once this is determined it will become easier to manage them. You can grab a journal and write it down each time you notice yourself feeling anxious. This way you will be able to establish a pattern.
Practice conscious breathing
When you practice conscious breathing, you are bringing direct awareness to your breath. When you breathe intentionally, you are sending a message to your nervous system that you are safe. In doing this, your body will start to relax.
Get enough sleep
Getting ample sleep is imperative overall, but especially during times of high stress and anxiety. According to a study conducted at the University of California by Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology, a sleepless night can raise your anxiety levels by up to 30%. Set an early enough bedtime for yourself and try to stick to it.
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