10 Ways to Calm Anxiety

Although I am aware that I am dealing with anxiety, I wanted to properly define the term in order to be clear about what it really means.
“Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”
Everyone has anxiety about different things and this feeling ranges from mild to severe depending on the situation. I barely flinch when a flight takes off or when I’m in the waiting room of a doctor’s office, yet confrontation, motherly concerns involving my children and even a scary movie, could put me in a tailspin. Over time I’ve come to realize that trying to control your anxiety only exacerbates the situation. The best strategy I was given was to sit with the uneasy feeling. The sooner ones does this, the sooner one’s anxiety will dissipate. I came by this constructive knowledge through 14 years of therapy and still counting. Each week, it is my one hour of sanity or insanity if you will, to grow emotionally (I wouldn’t cry if I grew a few inches as well).

Here are some valuable strategies for dealing with anxiety that I’ve picked up along the way that I’d love to share with you.

1. Meditation – I’ve tried Oprah &Deepak 21 Day Meditation Experience, Transcendental Meditation, Binaural Beats Meditation and most recently the Calm App which is all about breath work and being present in the moment. When I focus on these 2 aspects, my mind is not being pulled in countless directions. Mediation is a work in progress for me but I definitely feel its benefits.
2. Exercise – Any type of cardio is a great stress reliever. A run, a hike or even a stroll around your neighborhood, could leave you feeling more grounded. Sometimes when we’re anxious we may find it difficult to move but it’s worth the push.
3. Wine – A glass of wine (or 2) can definitely take the edge off.
4. Change your Scenery – Take a car ride, or meet up with a friend or family member. Just changing your scenery can get you out of a slump.
5. Chamomile Tea – Have a cup of chamomile tea. The chamomile flower is known for its calming effects so the next time you feel the jitters, cozy up with a hot cup of tea.
6. Read a book – A good book will transport you to another time or place and you will leave your worries behind.
7. Supplements – I have found magnesium to be helpful and I recently began taking hemp oil to reduce my stress level. I have also read vitamin D and B12 are known to be helpful (good idea to check in with your doctor first).
8. Acceptance – Once you’ve acknowledged your anxiety, the best thing to do is to sit with it. The harder you try to push it away, the longer it will hang around. i.e. instead of saying “I am feeling anxious and I don’t want to feel this way” try “I am feeling anxious and this is where I am right now”.
9. Therapy – There is nothing like speaking with a professional that can offer guidance and allow you to arrive at a greater state of self awareness.
10. Laughter – Last but not least, as the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. Put on a comedy, call a friend that makes you laugh or listen to your favorite comedian. If all else fails – fake it till you make it!