“I’m so anxious!” We’ve all said and heard this phrase countless times. But are we anxious or stressed? It’s important to understand the difference between these two concepts. Stress is a normal response to changes in our everyday lives. Our bodies are well equipped to deal with stressful events. We have a built-in response system known as “fight or flight.” This response prepares our bodies to effectively manage the stressful situation we are facing.
So, if that’s stress, then what exactly is anxiety? Anxiety can be characterized by intense feelings of nervousness, extreme worry, intrusive thoughts and physical symptoms such as dizziness, shakiness, sweating or increased heart rate. Anxiety is the most common mental health diagnosis in the United States affecting approximately 40 million adults annually.
To understand our anxiety we need to break it down into four fundamental components: our emotions, our body, our thoughts and our behaviors. Being able to break down anxiety into individual parts makes it easier to identify and treat. By identifying what we are thinking and feeling we can create a space between us and our symptoms. Below are 5 common exercises that can help to reduce symptoms.
- Breathing exercises
- Visualization
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Counting
- Mindfulness
Also, check out these apps available for anxiety – Calm, Nature Sounds Relax and Sleep, Shine, Breathwrk, and Moodnotes. From nature sounds to journaling, these apps offer a variety of techniques. However, if your anxiety often interferes with your daily life, happiness, and activities, consider scheduling an appointment with a consultant at the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at (305) 284-6604.
Source: Finding Your Balance – A cognitive behavioral therapy workbook 2022
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