Anxiety

Hey guys, here is a subject that I know and have experienced all too well, and one many of you may know about too. It’s something we may all have suffered from at one time or another. It’s called anxiety. How many of you guys suffer from mild forms of anxiety to full blown panic attacks which cause you to sweat profusely (like I do at times) and feel like your heart is about to explode out of your chest? For me, it was mostly in one on one business or social situations. It could happen during any given interaction and it would “come on” within seconds without any warning. I would start sweating like I was running a marathon. But as crazy as it may also seem, I was totally comfortable giving a speech in front of a 1000 people. You see, I told you guys before, I’m really screwed up! Lol.

Yeah, well just know this; women outnumber us when it comes to anxiety because they are 50% more prone to suffer from anxiety then men. 1 out of 3 women suffer from anxiety and only 1 out of 5 men suffer from anxiety. These statistics have clearly shown me why my wife freaked out and started hyperventilating when I accidently bought the wrong color napkins for our dinner party.

So, what is anxiety? Anxiety is where you excessively worry and are anxious about several different events or activities on more days than not for at least 6 months. And you have at least three of the following six symptoms associated with the anxiety on more days than not in the last 6 months. These include restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. What may be the root causes of it? According to Medical News Today, anxiety may be caused by environmental factors, medical factors, genetics, brain chemistry, substance abuse, or any combination of these. It is most commonly triggered by the stress in our lives.

Here are some stressors that can bring on anxiety.., personal relationships, work, school, money and finances, dealing with a medical illness of your own, or dealing with a loved one’s medical illness. Other causes of anxiety can come from intoxication of illicit drugs which include cocaine or amphetamines. As well, the withdrawal from using illicit drugs such as heroin or from prescription drugs like Vicodin, benzodiazepines (Xanax), and barbiturates (phenobarbital) can bring about anxiety.

I understand that at times, some of you may need medications, but relying on a pill or thinking it’s the cure to the root of your anxiety isn’t going to help you become stronger in the end. If you don’t know what the root of your anxiety is, speak to a counselor or therapist who can help you find the main cause and give you some solutions based on your specific needs.

That being said, here are 10 natural solutions to help you alleviate some of that built up anxiety. I know these helped me.

#1 Manage the body- eating right, try avoiding alcohol, nicotine, sugar, and caffeine. As well, implement daily exercise into your life.
#2 Deep breathing- practice conscious, deep breathing for about one minute at a time, 10 to 15 times per day.
#3 Mindful awareness- stay in the here and now. Be present, not off worrying about something that needs to be done 10 hours later. Focus on what needs to be done in the present. Breathe.
#4 Don’t listen when worry calls your name- Focus on a color, image, or a thought that relaxes you.
#5 Have a little fun- laugh (watch a funny movie), make time for friends and activities you find pleasurable to relieve some of the tension and stress.
#6 Turn off your mind- When thoughts seem to be going through your mind faster than you can think them, whether it’s during the day or right before you go to bed, focus on counting slowly from 100 backwards while talking deep breaths. If its bed time you may even fall asleep while counting. Repeat this counting process as many time as you need.
#7 Learn to plan instead of worry- a big difference between planning and worrying is that a good plan doesn’t need constant review. An anxious brain, however, will reconsider a plan over and over to be sure it’s the right plan. This is all just ruminating worry disguising itself as making a plan.
#8 Exercise. Strenuous exercise helps reduce stress by tiring both the mind and the body. It also doesn’t allow one to have negative conversations with oneself.
#9 Listen to motivational tapes and speeches. They are free and available all over YouTube. Get a motivational book and read a chapter.., especially when you’re negative voice starts to talk.
#10 Last, and it worked for me, don’t run from your fears or anxiety. Stay with it, push through it. It’s never as bad as I worried about, and people really do understand how difficult your situation may be. Most are sympathetic and understanding towards your struggle.

Okay guys, whaddaya think?

Have you had a similar experience? Can you relate? Share your thoughts, your stories, your questions and advice so we can all learn from one another and make better decisions. Plus, you’ll get some huge karma points for doing so.

Have a great day and a great life.

Larry Bryan
A regular guy, another opinion.℠
#ARGANO