Peace is Possible! 5 Tips to Cope With Anxious Feelings

Few things can destroy a sense of peace better than worry and anxiety. If you struggle with anxious thoughts and feelings, you understand the havoc anxiety can wreak on everyday life.

Anxiety can affect all areas of your life, from work and career, to relationships and enjoyment of hobbies. In short, although anxiety feels urgent and necessary, it can hinder our productivity and enjoyment of life.

The intensity of anxiety can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it is possible to find peace even amidst the chaos.

Here are five ways of coping with anxious feelings that you can implement in your life today. 

1. Exercise

Often, one of the most effective ways of battling anxious feelings is through exercise.

When anxiety strikes, it brings with it a never-ending stream of thoughts and negative, nervous energy. Our fight-or-flight system is preparing for action - to fight, run, or hide. Exercise channels this energy into a productive form and releases endorphins in the brain. This not only drains the nervous energy, but these endorphins, in turn, produce a sensation of calm and happiness.

Endorphins achieved through exercise help to lower stress levels and boost mood, which helps keep anxiety at bay.

2. Meditation

Anxious thoughts tend to feel so overwhelming because they come quickly and repeatedly. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or “carried away” at the moment when anxiety strikes. Additionally, it can be challenging to break the cycle of negative thinking and defeated feelings. 

If you feel a wave of anxiety approaching, practicing mindful meditation can help keep you in control.

Closing your eyes, focusing on your breathing, and gradually relaxing your muscles can help you find peace—even in the midst of a stressful situation. This may be one of the hardest things to put into practice in the moment of worry, but regular practice (even at times when you are not upset) can help you build a skill you can rely on.

3. Distract Yourself

You may not always be able to remove your stressors and triggers from your life. But, you can choose to add positive, uplifting activities and moments to your day.

When you start to struggle with anxious thoughts, make the conscious choice to distract yourself with an enjoyable hobby, project, or errand.

The following are common activities that can be used:

• Go for a walk
• Take a soaking bath
• Read a book
• Bake a dessert
• Do a service project
• Call a friend
• Watch a funny video
• Write in a journal
• Finishing a household chore

Any of these can all help take your focus off of the anxiety and channel your feelings into something more productive.

4. Make a Lifestyle Change

While logic doesn’t always dictate anxiety, there may be a particular aspect of your lifestyle that is heightening your anxious feelings. This could easily make your days more difficult.

For some, the key to banishing anxiety and discovering peace may be found through a change in lifestyle.

For example, does your stressful job require you to work long hours? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities caring for your children or your home? Is an unhealthy diet contributing to weight gain or other health struggles? Are financial emergencies putting a strain on your marriage?

If you are struggling with these or any other common anxiety triggers, facing the problems head-on and committing to making a change can make all the difference in fighting back during anxious moments.

5. Seek Professional Help

There are various ways to independently discover peace and overcome anxious, upsetting thoughts. However, if you feel as though you are losing the fight against anxiety and are frustrated with your progress, it is absolutely the right time to seek professional help.

Many people continue to struggle with anxious thoughts and feelings despite their best efforts to live more peacefully, and there is no shame in that struggle.

It is always possible to enlist the help of a licensed counselor, support group, or treatment center. Depending on your specific needs, the use of medication may also be appropriate.

Every individual is unique, and every situation is different—the important thing is discovering an approach that works for you.

If you are frustrated by your anxious feelings and seeking to find peace, you are not alone!

The battle against anxiety can be long and challenging, but it is possible to discover effective, personalized coping mechanisms.

To learn more about treatment for anxiety, contact me. 

You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.

*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.

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