How do you control anxiety? Anxiety is the body’s alarm system that swings into action as soon as you sense danger. Your heart begins to race and your palms get all sweaty if you notice that a mugger is lurking somewhere in the dark – in this situation, anxiety provides the extra spark you need to help you get out of harms way in one piece. Anxiety can also give you the much needed energy to get things done at your place of work, home, school etc.

But at times anxiety can be out of control, making you feel a sense of dread and fear for no reason whatsoever. This sort of anxiety is not healthy and can disrupt your life.

If you think that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, you need to see your physician because he or she can help you to develop certain skills to help you effectively control anxiety. Your physician might also suggest that you undergo counselling and may even prescribe medication if it is necessary.

Here are some tips that can help you control anxiety:

1) Breathe!
Yup! If you are searching for one way to control anxiety, breathing exercises can help you treat this condition. Taking deep breaths can help you control anxiety and help you become calm. It may sound quite simple but it might take some time to get the hang of it.

Deep Breathing 101
a) Lay down on a flat surface
b) Place a hand on your tummy (above your navel) and place the other hand on your chest
c) Breathe in gradually and ensure you make your stomach rise a little
d) Hold your breath for just one second
e) Exhale gradually and let your tummy go back down.

2) Control your worries
This technique involves picking a place and time to do your worrying – you have to make it the same time and place each day. You can spend 25 – 30 minutes thinking about your major and minor concerns and the possible solutions you have for them. Do not dwell on what might possibly happen; you need to focus more on what is really happening now. Then poof! Let go of the worry and go about your normal business –sounds great huh?

3) Get some sleep!!!
Trust me; even machines need a break now and then. If you want to control anxiety, get some sleep!

4) Avoid drinking and substance abuse
Please do not buy into all that nonsense that “alcohol calms the nerves”, if that is true how come most violence take place in place where the liquor flows freely – enough said.
Drinking and substance abuse only make anxiety worse.

5) Avoid Caffeinated drinks
Agreed, most of us cannot get through a day without our morning coffee, but coffee is not the only drink that caffeine can found – No Siree! Caffeine can be found in other drinks such as tea, soft drinks (cola drinks) and Omigod! Chocolates!
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and might increase your sense of anxiety.

You need to take charge of your life and not allow anxiety attacks take control of your precious, always remember that life is too short to worry over absolutely nothing.