Okay, so sometimes people feel really anxious for no reason. Maybe their heart races a lot or their stomach feels like it’s doing flip-flops. It’s normal to feel this way sometimes, but if it happens a lot or it’s really hard to control and you’re thinking ‘anxiety is ruining my life’, then you might want to try some things to make yourself feel better.

In this article, we will outline 10 effective tips for managing anxiety so you can take back control of your life.

Why is anxiety ruining my life?

It’s common for people to experience anxiety, 1 in 6 people do, but for some, the feeling is so intense it can be debilitating. There are lots of reasons why we may feel anxious, from social circumstances at work and at home to money worries, relationship problems, confidence in your abilities (such as driving anxiety) or even concerns about health.

For some people, however, anxiety can take over and they feel stuck. If you’ve been asking yourself, why is anxiety ruining my life, but other people seem to cope. Read on. You may find that many people suffering from anxiety and stress are already using some of the coping mechanisms highlighted below.

1. Identify the symptoms of anxiety

This can be different for everyone, but some common symptoms include a racing heart, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, and feeling like you’re going to vomit or pass out. If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing anxiety, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or mental health professional.

2. Understand where your anxiety comes from

Once you know the symptoms of anxiety, it can be helpful to understand where your anxiety comes from. For some people, anxiety is caused by stress at work or school. For others, it might be caused by social situations, family conflict, obsessive thoughts or even a lack of sleep. Once you know what’s causing your anxiety, you can work to address the root cause.

3. Avoid any type of self-judgement

Another important step in managing anxiety is avoiding any type of self-judgement or shame. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes, and our anxiety is not a reflection on who we are as people – it’s just a natural response to certain situations or triggers. Try to be gentle with yourself and understand that everyone experiences anxiety in different ways.

4. Practice relaxation techniques

One of the most effective ways to manage anxiety is to practice relaxation techniques. This might involve deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualisation. There are many resources available online or through your local library to help you learn these techniques.

5. Get enough sleep and exercise

Additionally, it’s important to get enough sleep and exercise, as both of these things can help reduce anxiety. Make sure to create a healthy sleep routine and stick to it as much as possible, this helps you process your day and helps unwanted thoughts to become unstuck. And, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood.

6. Eat a balanced diet

Another helpful tip is to eat a balanced diet. Eating nutritious foods can help reduce stress and promote overall physical health. Avoid any type of crash dieting or fad diets, as these can actually make anxiety worse.

7. Connect with loved ones

Another important step in managing anxiety is to connect with loved ones or friends who understand and support you. These people can be an invaluable source of support and encouragement, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or alone.

8. Seek professional help if needed

If your anxiety is severe or doesn’t seem to be improving with other methods or you’re experiencing severe panic attacks then it might be necessary to seek professional help from a doctor or a therapist. They may refer you for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which can be effective at helping people overcome anxiety.

Medical research also recommends clinical hypnotherapy in addition to CBT for clients that are struggling to see results with traditional talking therapies.

9. Practice mindfulness and gratitude

Additionally, mindfulness and gratitude practices can be helpful for managing anxiety. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment and accepting things as they are, without judgement. Gratitude involves appreciating the good things in your life, even when times are tough. Both of these practices can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions.

10. Remember that anxiety is a normal, temporary part of life – you can manage it!

Just try to take things one step at a time and be patient with yourself. These tips can help you manage anxiety in a healthy way and live a fulfilling life.

In Conclusion

Anxiety is a normal, temporary part of life for many people. While there are a number of helpful tips to managing anxiety, it’s important to be patient with oneself and take things one step at a time. There are many different ways to treat anxiety, including self-help, medication, psychotherapy, or alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy. The most important thing is to seek help if needed and to remember that anxiety is only a part of life – not who you are.