10 Ways to Deal with Anxiety

We've all been there, whether it be testing anxiety or the anxiety that comes with public speaking. Or if you're like myself, diagnosed with generalized anxiety, it can be almost debilitating worry. At one point, my therapist gave me a list of ways that could help me cope. This list is composed partially of what she wrote and partially of things that I have found help me immensely.

1. Take deep breaths and count to 10.

While you may have heard this a thousand and one times, it tends to help me most when I begin to hyperventilate. Inhale through your nose, hold it a few seconds, and then exhale through your mouth. Do this whilst counting to ten. If you need to, repeat. Or if ten just isn't high enough for your anxiety, go ahead and count to twenty.

2. Ground yourself.

If at all possible, go outside with your shoes off and just stand in the grass. Or sit, it's up to you. Close your eyes and let the sounds of nature absorb you. Standing barefoot in the grass allows me to feel as though I am part of something bigger but also allows me to release my anxiousness.

3. Do yoga.

Yes. Yoga. You don't need to do yoga at a studio with a bunch of people. I get it—the thought of not being good at yoga is scary. However, doing yoga in the comfort of your own home can help you to relieve anxiety as well as stress, while also allowing you to technically exercise.

4. Take a break from social media.

Although I typically use social media as an escape, I have found that if I unplug for a bit (an hour or two, maybe even a day or two) I have less anxieties. Social media is where everyone posts their happiest of moments along with some not-so-pleasing moments. When people I know mention their upsetting news on say Facebook, I spiral into an anxiety induced frenzy worrying about if they'll be okay.

5. Act out the situation.

When it comes to job interviews or presentations, nerves can be nerve-wracking. Practice your answers or your presentation until you feel semi-better about the situation. You've got this. You can do it.

6. Recognize false alarms.

Acknowledge your fears. It could be the fear of your home ablaze or the fear that your racing heartbeat means you're having a heat attack. Pretend that your fears are a firetruck,. Okay, now acknowledge them passing you and going somewhere else instead.

7. Give yourself "worry time.'

Worries come at anytime, but you can somewhat control how and when they are dealt with. Give yourself about 20 minutes a day to deal with the things that have been truly worrying you. If you begin to fidget when it's not "worry time" simply write down what your worry is and in your 20 minutes later, come up with a solution.

8. Make peace with time.

Dealing with the fear that everyone will remember that thing you thought was extremely embarrassing can be difficult. Take a second to step back and think "How will I feel about this in a week or a month?" Chances are you will have forgotten the incident and so will they.

9. Do something you enjoy.

It can be an endless cycle of worry. Take a second to do something you enjoy: draw, dance, sing, play an instrument. Whatever it is, do it. Don't let your anxiety stop you from doing the things you enjoy.

10. Gradually do things your anxiety has stopped you from doing.

Go ahead, show up to that meeting late. Go an hour without checking your phone. Grocery shop without a list. Do things that make you slightly uncomfortable. Slowly they will become things you can do with less anxiety.