How To Deal With Anxiety

Anxiety has always been a part of my life. It controls everything I do from the time I wake to the time I go to bed and everything in between. It makes me the worst person to go out with because I cannot make decisions to save my life. It makes me come across as uncaring or indifferent when inside I'm fighting a tornado of negative emotions because I don't want to burden other people with my issues.

If you're like me—losing sleep at night, afraid to say anything for the fear of being judged by your own friends and family—then I'll tell you what I do to manage my symptoms, and hopefully, they work for you too.

Now, this isn't a magical cure that will make all those pesky negative voices go away. I still live with my anxiety and still relapse when something is out of my control. However, I do have ways to manage them, before an attack occurs.

So first things first: clear your mind. This is probably the most difficult step in the entire process. I've tried a lot of things and the one idea that really helps me is Zumba. Yes, physical exercise is key to clearing the mind. And I'm not talking about weight training. I'm talking about cardio, something that gets your blood pumping and your heart racing.

Here's how it works.

When you are doing heavy cardio, your brain releases something called endorphins into the body. Think of it like a happy drug. Through the sweat and exhaustion, your body actually feels really good and craves more, similar to drugs but way healthier and legal.

"Okay, so how does this help with my anxiety?" Stay with me. When your body releases endorphins, you feel happy and relaxed. Your mind doesn't wander to anything negative because you're literally drugged. There are many different ways to achieve this literal bliss, any kind of cardio- running, dancing, tai-chi. Whatever gets you moving for at least an hour is sure to do the trick. I'm not a fan of running and I love music, so I tried Zumba and became absolutely addicted to it. I should re-title this as "How Zumba Saved My Life" but that's not what I'm going for. Zumba won't work for everybody, so it's up to you to find that niche to make you feel better.

Cardio is also perfect for after you've had an attack or are just having a whole day being ruined by your anxiety. Trust me, I know that last thing you want to do is run around or dance when you've had a terrible day. All you want to do is lie in bed and stray away from the world. I've been like that too, but believe me it is the worst thing you can do. When I've had days like that, I literally drag myself to my Zumba class, exhausted and upset. But once I get going, it's like all the stress and doubt literally sweat from my body. It's the most euphoric feeling ever!

You don't have to take my word for it but this trick has helped me and so many other people—it doesn't hurt to try.

I don't like cardio, so what else is there?

I get where you're coming from. If cardio isn't your cup of tea, try just going for a nice long walk. Sometimes just getting out of the house and taking in fresh air helps clear the mind. Just walk until your anxieties disappear, or your feet start to hurt.

A change in location can also put your mind at ease. Think of it as metaphorically running away from your problems. It doesn't have to be a trip around the world, but going someplace new like a restaurant or park can do the trick. Just make it somewhere you don't recognize so it gives your brain something else to focus on. Your mind will be too busy checking the place out and memorizing details to be caught up in its previous worries.

To Wrap Up

You don't have to kill yourself through cardio just to reach that moment of zen. You can do other things. Heck, it doesn't even have to be physical so long as you're doing something that you enjoy.