Getting back in control when anxiety strikes.

Anxiety is more than just an experience that we all feel at some point. It’s also a long-lasting mental health issue that some of us struggle with for a long time. Feels of concern and stress can always hover in the background for those of an anxious disposition. The more empathetic of us can also experience it very strongly, to the point that it can lead to panic attacks or simply make us feel like we’re losing control. What can you do to take back control when that happens?

Distract yourself from your thoughts

Your mind can feel like it becomes your own worst enemy when you are feeling anxious. Your own thoughts can feel like they are going a mile a minute, which means that if you can take a break from your own thoughts, you might be able to get back on an even keel. Creative or engaging hobbies of all kinds, be it listening to music, writing, watching a movie, or writing, can help you distract yourself from these thoughts. Exercise is a great distraction as well, moving your focus to your body, instead.

Sit and take a deep breath

Another practice that is very effective at distracting you from your anxieties is that of meditation. However, meditation is more than just a distraction, it can be very effective for helping you find and manage the triggers of your anxiety, as well. Mindfulness meditation apps such as Calm can help you learn how to much better manage anxiety when it strikes. You can centre your thoughts, calm your breathing to slow your heart rate (which anxiety can get racing) and get some perspective on what your concerns are.

Use the power of aroma

Deep breathing exercises are very effective, but breathing in the right things can make it even more effective. Aromatherapy with scents such as lavender and ylang ylang is highly recommended by many people. Another trend that has been rising lately is the use of hemp oil extracts from places like Simply CBD. A lot of people attest that these can help them manage their anxiety, but it’s worth trying different approaches to see which, exactly, works best for you.

Don’t ignore your problems

If someone asks you if you are okay, and you are in the right time and place (such as in your own home or sitting with them at a cafe table) do not be afraid to tell them the truth. Sitting on your emotions and bottling them up is not just unwise, it can be dangerous. When you get your thoughts out of your own head, you can get a different and sometimes helpful perspective (though it often takes some time for that perspective to sink in.) Even if you don’t get any solutions, it can be a great help to simply be heard and get those thoughts out of your head and into the open.

The points above can help you take back control when it seems like anxiety is in the driving seat of your mind. However, to manage it in the long term, it may be essential to talk to your doctor about it.