We are starting to hear the word “anxiety” being used more and more every day.
Of course, if we reflect back on what is happening around the world, then this is not surprising.
Although in the past, it was mostly adults who might struggle with anxiety, now, unfortunately, many people of all ages, including the very young, have started to experience it.
The dictionary definition of anxiety is “a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”
Anxiety disorder is diagnosed by doctors and is a mental disorder that affects more than 40 million people in the U.S.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, including social and separation anxiety, specific phobias such as agoraphobia, and panic disorder.
For some people, anxiety can lead to sleep disorder, heart palpitations, numbness, sweating, feeling isolated from the world around, muscle tension, and depression.
Worrying about the future, for example about money, a job, friendships, relationships, and health concerns are common reasons for people to feel anxious.
Of course, an individual might be suffering from anxiety for a very long time, often without any diagnosis or help, and this can cause serious health issues, sometimes even life-threatening.
The most important question is what we can do about it?
Most likely we have all had some times in our life where we’ve had very anxious feelings and we have been worrying too much about something.
Here are some tips and ideas that may help:
• Understand that feeling anxiety is completely normal and many people are struggling with it;
• Know that none of us are really able to control all of our thoughts and feelings;
• Every day and every moment, whether good or bad, will pass;
• Thoughts and feelings are just that. They are momentary experiences, with us very briefly;
• We don’t need to always try and identify something good or bad in our thoughts, or try and control them. We can just accept them, or reframe them, and let them pass;
• Share your feelings and thoughts with yourself. Write down whatever is bothering you;
• Try to not stay alone for too long. Even though you don’t feel like it at that moment, you will feel better and safer around the people who care about you;
• Exercise is the best remedy for anxiety and depression. However, in the moment when you are feeling down, it is very hard to start exercising with that state of mind. So do whatever you like to be active, maybe just go out for a walk, or maybe you prefer group activities. Whatever you choose, get out and do something.
• Try to educate yourself about what you are going through;
• Make sure that you get enough calories and nutrients. Nutritional deficiencies will not help you to heal. Also, remember that excess sugar consumption will not help either;
• If you are struggling with a sleep disorder then you can use nutritional supplements such as Magnesium L-Threonate and L-Theanine (take as directed on the bottle);
• Meditation and mindful practice can help reduce your symptoms. If you find that you can’t focus on anything like that, then just try three minutes of deep breathing practice, focusing just on inhaling and exhaling.
Of course, with these tips I am addressing only the people who are living with anxieties but who do not need clinical attention. If you have been suffering for a longer time, such as more than a few months, then you probably need to see a specialist and seek help.
Always remember that we have only one shot at life. It is up to us how we respond to whatever comes our way, so try to just smile…
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Ayda Ersoy is a nutritionist (Dip.C.N., Dip.S.N.); master trainer (CPT ACE, NCSF, CanfitPro); registered yoga teacher; founder, Health Angel Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness; and founder, SMS (Stability, Mobility Strength) Intuitive Training System.
