Some Exercises for Managing Anxiety

Controlling anxiety is not an easy task for someone who suffers from it. Many non-sufferers just assume that anxiety is something harmless, or even silly, but in reality, it can be challenging to control.
When anxiety lasts for extended periods of time, it can become a severe health problem. In such cases, medical help may be essential.
But anxiety management doesn’t always need medical help. With practice and patience, you can keep anxiety in check. Here are some exercises to help you deal with it:
Breathing Exercises
Choose a time of day where you can be alone and undisturbed. No cell phone, laptop, TV, etc.
- Sit down comfortably
- Close your eyes, and focus on your breathing
- Breathe normally, and notice how the air flows in and out through your nostrils
- After a while, start breathing slower and slower. Inhale deeply, hold it for a few seconds, and exhale. Repeat this for a few minutes.
Try to keep your breathing in check throughout the day. If you notice your breathing is fast and shallow, bring it back to a more relaxed state. If necessary stop working for just a few minutes, and relax.
The more you do this, the easier it becomes.
Walking or Running
This may be complicated, depending on where you live. Start each day by taking a walk. Try to just enjoy the walk without filling your head with all the things you’ll be doing during the day. No need to hurry either. Just walk slowly and relax.
Running can also be very beneficial. A healthy mind in a healthy body!
Positive Thinking
Most of your problems are not as severe as you think they are. Excessive anxiety does not help solve any problems. It just makes them seem much worse, or even catastrophic.
Try to catch yourself having distressing thoughts. When that happens to focus on something else. Maybe talk to someone or do some breathing exercises. Anything that changes the focus to something else is good.
If you practice these simple exercises every day, they will become like second nature.
Image from pixabay
Originally published at steemit.com on July 21, 2017.
