Written by Team Optimity
(3 min read)
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Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people in Canada and America. Despite its prevalence, many people struggle to manage their anxiety and may not know where to turn for help. Let’s explore some strategies, tips, and resources that you can use to cope with anxiety.
Identify Your Triggers
The first step in managing your anxiety is to identify your triggers. This could include anything from social situations to financial stress to health concerns. Once you’ve identified your triggers, you can work on developing coping strategies to manage them. For example, if public speaking is a trigger for you, you could practice deep breathing exercises or visualization techniques to calm yourself before a speaking engagement.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is an important aspect of managing anxiety. This could include anything from getting enough sleep to eating a healthy diet to engaging in regular exercise. Taking care of your physical health can help to reduce your anxiety levels and improve your overall well-being. You might also consider practicing mindfulness or meditation to help calm your mind and reduce stress.
Try Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can be very effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. Meditation is a mental exercise that involves focusing your mind on a specific thought or object to achieve a calm and clear state of mind.
There are many resources available for mindfulness and meditation, such as apps, websites, and books. Some popular apps include Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer. These apps offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises that can help you manage your anxiety. There are also many books available on the topic of mindfulness and meditation, such as “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle and “The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh.
Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It helps individuals learn how to manage their emotions and cope with anxiety by changing their thinking patterns. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a range of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
If you’re in Canada, the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies can help you find a CBT therapist near you. In the United States, you can search for a therapist on the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies website.
Try Yoga
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. Practicing yoga can help you become more aware of your body and your breath, which can help you manage your emotions.
Many yoga studios offer classes specifically for individuals with anxiety. If you’re not comfortable attending an in-person class, there are many online resources available, such as Yoga with Adriene.
Join a Support Group
Connecting with others who are also dealing with anxiety can be helpful. Consider joining a support group in your area or online. There are many online communities and forums where you can connect with others who are struggling with anxiety. You might also consider joining a social group or club that interests you, as this can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling to manage your anxiety on your own, it may be time to seek professional help. This could include seeing a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professionals. In Canada, you can access mental health services through your province’s health care system. In the United States, you may need to check with your insurance provider to see what mental health services are covered under your plan.
Take Advantage of Resources
Here are some resources that you can access to help you cope with anxiety in Canada and America:
- Anxiety Canada: A non-profit organization that provides information, resources, and support for people dealing with anxiety in Canada.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): A U.S. organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for people living with mental illness, including anxiety disorders.
- American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides information and resources for managing anxiety, including tips for managing anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): The ADAA provides information and resources for managing anxiety, including a directory of mental health professionals.
Anxiety can be a debilitating condition, but there are many strategies, tips, resources, and programs available to help you cope. By implementing some of these tools, you can learn to manage your anxiety and improve your quality of life.
Remember that you’re not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength. It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
As mentioned above, books can be a great resource for learning more coping mechanisms for anxiety, and we’ve got you covered with Amazon deals:
Join the conversation: Have any other coping mechanisms that have helped you? Comment them below👇Â
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