Manage an anxiety disorder

How to Manage an Anxiety Disorder?

When you’re experiencing feelings of anxiety, remember that they usually go away after 60 to 90 minutes. Try to keep participating in activities as much as possible.

Note: Facing your fears head on isn’t always the best approach. Make sure you’re taking appropriate steps and not pushing yourself too far. Not sure what will work for you? Speak to your physician or a psychologist. 

How to Manage an Anxiety Disorder Yourself?

These practical tips are a great place to start:

• Move more
  Exercise is wonderful for your mind and body. By exercising more, you’ll find that you have more energy, sleep better and feel in a better mood. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or riding your bike instead of driving.
• Get outside
  Do you have the option of exercising outside? Combine these first two tips for faster results. Not possible? Getting some fresh air also helps, it’ll take your mind off things.
• Eat healthily
  Buy fruit and vegetables that you know you really love. It will encourage you to eat more of them. For example, swap your unhealthy snack for a piece of fruit and drink a green smoothie instead of a glass of beer, wine or another alcoholic beverage.
• Get plenty of sleep
  Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. Unplug the television in your bedroom, leave your smartphone in another room and go to bed at the same time every night.
• Learn to relax
  Do you have trouble relaxing? Learning more about mindfulness can help you to manage your anxiety better. It’ll allow you to concentrate, combat any insomnia and help you to manage your anxiety disorder. 

How to help Family, Romantic Partners and Friends with Anxiety Disorder

Would you like to help someone close to you who’s suffering from an anxiety disorder? Here are three valuable tips for family, romantic partners and friends:

• Take it seriously
  There might not be any logical reason for this person’s anxiety, but take it seriously. The person you’re helping probably won’t know what’s causing it either, but they’ll appreciate your understanding.
• Don’t give direct advice
  Try to avoid giving direct advice. It’s good to listen to the other person, but remember that well-intentioned advice can easily backfire. They just want you to hear them out.
• Ask questions
  Keep asking questions though. Ask the other person what you can do to help them manage their anxiety better.