anxiety management

MANAGING ANXIETY

Management of anxiety starts by reducing the symptom through the various means available, with the main component being relaxation. 

As discussed in other posts, anxiety is caused by overfunction of the amygdala passing on false impressions, which in turn activates the 'fight or flight' response. This manifests in the symptoms which we collectively call 'anxiety'.

This is the cause of all 'fear' issues

If after evaluating a situation you find that the 'fight or flight' response is unwarranted and that, realistically speaking, you are safe - as is often the case - then the amygdala becomes our adversary instead of companion and we must learn to control it.

Fight or Flight symptoms 

Visualisation can help to resolve the issue as the subconscious mind cannot distinguish (but the conscious can) between 'solid' reality and imagination.
One fun and effective imagery is seeing a Harvard professor whacking a reptilian over the head. The symbolism here is that the Harvard professor stands for logic, rationalism, unity and progress whilst the reptilian is our instinctual, survival, emotion-driven part of us.





Diet
More often than not, your diet can play a massive role on your anxiety symptoms and its often an indication that a diet review should be made.
This can mean that you should start including power foods such as  oups, nuts, legumes, citrus and berries.

Have Fun Getting Fit!

Have Fun Getting Fit!

Exercise
Anxiety can be better controlled through exercises such as swimming, attending the gym regularly, tennis and aerobics - anything which contributes to a beating heart.



Lack of direction or Purpose in Life
Re-analyse your purpose in life. Ensure that it is definitive and that is grounded in your values.
To reinforce this habit, as far as possible try to manage every minute of your day so that true value is derived from it. You will be very surprised at the amount of time that is cumulatively wasted in a day.

A better solution to endless worrying is to consciously allocate a 'worrying slot' during the day where you do nothing else but focus on the issue at hand. You will soon get bored and realise how counterproductive, and even harmful, the act of over indulging in endless worrying on things that we can do not instantly change. By all means, if you come up with a good, actionable resolution which may improve the issue, then all the better.

Having Supportive People and Friends Around
Be around people as much as possible, if you can help it! You need other's help and the stronger relationships that you build will definitely aid in taking your mind on the symptoms and moving your focus on caring for other people. Most psychosomatic illnesses begin with overthinking something regarding one's own life, especially health concerns, and forgetting that we are intrinsically hardwired for social integration.