There is no denying that anxiety and stress levels may be a bit higher amongst the general population these days than usual, having just come out of an extremely stressful and difficult year. 2020 certainly bought with it its challenges and unfamiliar territory or hardships, and it is safe to say that we are still dealing with the aftershock at the start of 2021.
Knowing how to effectively deal with anxiety is extremely important, as it can feel physically debilitating if not dealt with in a healthy manner.
Here are some ways of dealing with anxiety whenever it suddenly hits you unexpectedly and without warning.
CBD
CBD has become increasingly popular in recent times as an effective and safe way to deal with anxiety and reduce physical symptoms of extreme stress. There are several
medicinal CBD products available to purchase online or in health and well-being stores. CBD products come in a range of forms, from oils to drinks and sweets, depending on how you would like to consume them. There is a CBD product out there to suit all tastes and preferences, and it has been deemed a highly effective way to reduce anxiety and maintain a calm state for longer.
Breathe
An immediate way to deal with anxiety is to simply breathe deeply for a few seconds. There are several breathing techniques and exercises that are designed to calm nerves and reduce the physiological side of worry. At the moment, however, simply focusing on inhaling and exhaling will help greatly in slowing down and re-centring your mind to its natural state.
Distract yourself
Stand up, take a walk, do some jumping jacks, any sort of activity that will interrupt your train of thought and help you regain a sense of control. Distraction is a very effective way to forget about your anxiety and stress.
Straighten your posture
A very natural and unconscious reaction to anxiety is to hunch over as a way to protect the upper body where our heart and lungs are located. For an immediate physical antidote to this natural reaction, consciously pull your shoulders back, stand with your feet apart, and open up your chest. This will help your body start to feel like it is back in control.
Avoid sugars
It is very tempting to reach out for something sweet when feeling particularly stressed, but that chocolate bar can actually do more harm than good. Research has shown that eating too much sugar can worsen anxious feelings. Instead of reaching for the snack draw, drink a glass of water or eat protein, which will provide slow energy your body can use in its recovery.
Get a second opinion
Dealing with anxiety and stress does not have to be a solo activity, call or text a close friend or family member and talk to them about what is causing these worried feelings. Simply saying them out loud to someone else can help you see your thoughts and feelings more clearly.
