Are you constantly feeling stressed, unable to relax, always worrying about the day ahead and unable to fall or stay asleep because your mind is overloaded from the pressures of the day or worries about what’s in store the next day?  If you can relate to this, you are probably suffering with anxiety.

Anxiety states range from mild, moderate, to severe.  You may find yourself feeling emotionally and/or physically drained, and begin to question your ability to tackle even the basic of daily activities.  You may find yourself needing to gain relief through alcohol or drugs, gambling, self-imposed isolation and/or avoidance of normally pleasurable activities.  You may also develop physical aches and pains and feel the need to seek medical attention or end up in the hospital emergency room.

Your self-esteem may come into question while self-mastery over your thoughts, emotions and behaviors appears out of reach.  You may also feel increased lack of energy, purpose, joy, sadness and even depression as your anxiety takes over your entire being.

Here are some strategies for dealing with stress and anxiety.  Try one or try all but, above all, Try!!

1. Exercise – take a walk, ride your bike, go to the gym, participate in martial arts – whatever it takes to release stress.

2. Get out of your head by getting outside – a change of geography, such as a day trip, mini-vacation, or even a walk on the beach can have a positive impact on your mental state.  Fresh air and change of scenery can do wonders.

3. Connect with new and old friends and acquaintances – there are numerous ways of doing so, ranging from a simple phone call to contacting them through social media.  Reminiscing about old times or planning get-togethers can ease stress and promote joy.

4. Volunteer – helping others will not only benefit others but give you a sense of purpose.

5. Eat healthy – the old adage still holds true, “You are what you eat.” Being more conscious of the choices you make in dietary intake will increase your energy level and make you more stress- resistant, as you become more mentally fit to tackle the challenges that confront you.

6. Think “O2E,” which refers to Opposite to Emotion – this is a concept from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which challenges you to do the opposite of what you’re feeling.  So, for example, if you normally isolate or sleep to deal with sadness or depression, you are encouraged to engage in behaviors which are more typical of a person who is not sad or depressed. This one takes some imagination and creativity, but it is rooted in the concept that changing your behaviors in turn changes your mental outlook which, in turn, reinforces more proactive behaviors.  It’s as if you stepped outside of yourself and created a new reality of what is possible.  You are no longer a slave to stress inducing emotions and come to the realization that you can choose how to feel by changing the way you act.

7. Practice yoga, meditation and/or progressive muscle relaxation – yoga combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation.  It’s a “total mind-body workout.”  It helps reduce stress and anxiety and promote mental and physical stamina.  Studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing anxiety and overcoming depression.  Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique for learning to monitor and control muscular tension.  Daily practice reduces worry, stress and physical ailments, such as stomach and headaches.

Anxiety disorders can make it difficult to find joy, meaning, and purpose in your life. We all need support at different times in our lives.  Most of my clients seek help when their current way of dealing with life’s challenges no longer works for them. With a caring, non-judgmental and solution-focused approach, we will explore your issues and challenges in a safe therapeutic environment at my private practice in Delray Beach, Florida, or through remote online therapy from the comfort of your own home that will allow you to learn more effective ways of managing your anxiety and stress. Let’s walk the path to freedom from anxiety together.

If you’re ready to let go of the fears, worries, and anxieties that are making life difficult, you should sign up today for my weekly newsletter series “Freedom from Anxiety and Depression” for regular anxiety busting tips.