7 Ways To Ease Your Anxiety
Feeling anxious? It’s nasty, isn’t it?
Those racing thoughts can feel totally overwhelming and impossible to manage. This can lead to you overthinking everything and getting even more anxious. And so on it goes. Not much fun.
Anxiety can be a friend in times of danger. What many of us are doing now, however, is still brooding and ruminating well after the danger is gone and there’s no longer any threat.
It’s also worth noting that many times the anxiety being created is not even about a real threat! It’s just our over-active imagination at work worrying about things you haven’t even yet experienced. “What if he doesn’t like me?’ ‘What if I don’t get above 95% in this exam?’ ‘What if I’m held up in traffic?’ How is your self talk?
So here are 7 ways to ease those anxious thoughts:
Feeling anxious? It’s nasty, isn’t it?
Those racing thoughts can feel totally overwhelming and impossible to manage. This can lead to you overthinking everything and getting even more anxious. And so on it goes. Not much fun.
Anxiety can be a friend in times of danger. What many of us are doing now, however, is still brooding and ruminating well after the danger is gone and there’s no longer any threat.
It’s also worth noting that many times the anxiety being created is not even about a real threat! It’s just our over-active imagination at work worrying about things you haven’t even yet experienced. “What if he doesn’t like me?’ ‘What if I don’t get above 95% in this exam?’ ‘What if I’m held up in traffic?’ How is your self talk?
So here are 7 ways to ease those anxious thoughts:
Go a little more slowly. Trying to do too much can create anxiety and then you’re even less productive!
Talk nicely to yourself. If you start telling yourself off for those anxious thoughts you’re basically pouring fuel on the fire. You then feel even more anxious. Treat yourself the way you would treat others - with compassion and love.
Distance yourself from those unhelpful thoughts and get some perspective. Ask yourself ‘Is that really true?’ If it’s not, imagine that scary thought just floating away.
Stay here in the present. You may have had some unwanted anxious experiences in the past but that’s not to say they will happen again.
Get some perspective. Is the situation as terrible as you initially assumed? Step back and see the situation from a broader context. Will you be worrying about this in 6 months time or simply chuckling about it?
Go for a long walk. Or wash those dishes. Fold that basket of washing. Mow that lawn. Be really present in that activity and this will break that thinking loop you’ve created.
Breathe. Shallow breathing is usually connected with anxiety. Breathe right down into your stomach. Breathe in to the count of 4 and out to the count of 7.
If you still need help to rid yourself of that anxiety then don’t hesitate to call me on 0409 254 500 and we can have a chat.
Boosting Your Willpower
It’s that time of the year when we can start to fail in implementing our New Year’s resolutions.
This can tend to leave us feeling like a failure (again). It’s depressing, isn’t it?
Here’s some tips to help. If you are still struggling to nail it then call me on 0409 254 500 and we can have a chat.
Compulsive Behaviours
Over the last few years I’ve noticed a remarkable increase in the number of children I’m treating for various forms of anxiety.
So many are experiencing social anxiety, for example, which is impacting on their ability to socialise and create meaningful lives and careers. They are oftentimes using food and other unhealthy compulsive behaviours to comfort themselves and this can lead on to other addictions in adulthood.
But help is available, I've successfully treated hundreds of children (and adults). If you or your child is struggling do give me a call on 0409 254 500 or email liz@lizhogon.com
My Fear of Vomit Meant I Couldn't Leave the House
Here is an article on emetophobia that was published originally in the NT News back in May 2014 and then syndicated to other publications.
Call me on 0409 254 500 if you’re affected by the nasty phobia and we can arrange a free initial consultation (face-to-face or Skype).