Coping Strategies for Managing Anxiety

During times of increased stress, nervousness, or excessive worrying, the following tips may help relieve your symptoms.

Deep Breathing

When a person becomes anxious, their body goes into a fight-flight-or-flee response. Deep breathing helps calm this fight-flight-or-flee response. Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of five seconds, hold for five, and exhale slowly through your mouth for five. Repeat until you feel calm.

Mindful Walking

Cultivate mindfulness by staying in the present moment without judgment. While there are numerous examples of mindfulness, mindful walking is an excellent meditative technique that encourages you to pay attention to the sensations in your body and the environment you are in rather than rushing through your walk merely to get from one location to the other.

Challenge Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts may intensify when we are feeling anxious. When these thoughts occur, reflect on the verifiable facts to assess the evidence of your thoughts. Ask yourself if these negative thoughts are based on facts or assumptions. Explore alternative perspectives to address and reframe these thought patterns.

Connect with a Social Support System

Strong social bonds can help protect us from the negative effects of stress and anxiety. Share how you are feeling with someone you trust. Unfortunately, according to a study by the American Psychological Association, the majority of adults do not discuss their concerns out of fear of burdening others.

Pathway Life Counseling/ Mt Pleasant

If you find yourself worrying more often than not, or your anxiety is significantly impacting your life, consider seeking a licensed therapist. Lauren Emmolo is the managing owner of Pathway Life Counseling. She is a trauma-informed therapist and a Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional (CAIP), providing both secular and Christian counseling.

DISCLAIMER: The content presented in this article serves solely for educational purposes and is not intended to replace professional guidance. The information provided is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care.