Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or danger. It's the feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It's a feeling that can be overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on everyday tasks.
If you're experiencing anxiety, know that you're not alone. Many people around the world struggle with anxiety, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. You can learn to manage your anxiety through counselling with a professional, self-care, and support from friends and loved ones.
Anxiety doesn't have to control your life, don't be afraid to reach out for help. Living with anxiety can be challenging, and it's important to be kind to yourself during this time. If you are experiencing anxiety, it is important to remember that you are not alone. According to the NHS, around 1 in 6 people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. The good news is that there are many ways to manage anxiety and reduce its impact on your life.
1. Exercise
One effective way to manage anxiety is through exercise. Regular exercise can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. Exercise can also help to reduce muscle tension and improve sleep, which are both common symptoms of anxiety. You can hear about Couch to 5k on our Get Running podcast with our Social Prescribing Coordinator here.
2. Mindfulness
Another way to manage anxiety is through mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness involves focusing your attention on the present moment, rather than worrying about the past or future. Meditation involves taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and clear your mind. Both mindfulness and meditation can help to reduce anxiety by calming the mind and reducing stress. You can listen to our library of guided meditation led by one of our Mental Health Professionals here.
3. Self-care
It is also important to practice self-care when managing anxiety. This means taking care of your physical and emotional needs, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and making time for activities you enjoy. For some healthy recipe idea's click here.
If you are struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek help. The NHS offers a range of services and resources to help people manage anxiety. You can speak to your GP or a mental health professional to get advice and support, who can also refer you to groups and local organisations that may be able to offer you 1-2-1 counselling support depending on where you are based. If you would like to be referred to one of our counselling services, please click here to read more about the referral process.
Remember, anxiety is incredibly common, with the right support and management strategies, it is possible to manage it. Be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help when you need it. You can find more information on some of our Wellbeing workshops here.