Tools to Cope with Anxiety

RENEW Tools to Cope with Anxiety

If you suffer from anxiety, you’re not alone; about 40 million adults in the United States, or 18% of the population, are affected by anxiety every year.

There are coping skills you can use to help alleviate the anxiety on your own. Here are a few tools to help you cope.

EFT TAPPING

Emotional Freedom Technique combines Chinese acupressure with cognitive therapy to help you tune into your anxiety, relieve stress in the moment and shift your mindset. With Emotional Freedom Technique tapping, you repeat a phrase and tap about seven times on acupoints on your face and body. As you tap, repeat the phrase to stay focused on the issue.

Visit thrivingnow. com/tapping-pointsand-instructions/ for more information.

STOP

STOP stands for: Stop, Take a step back, Observe and Proceed. When you begin to feel anxious, literally stop what you’re doing. Then take a step back and assess the situation. Observe how you are feeling and give it a name: frustration, anger, pain, etc.

Lastly, proceed mindfully whether that means taking a walk, repeating a mantra or deep breathing. Whatever helps you stay calm.

REACH OUT

If you’re feeling anxiety, connect with people who are important to you. Sometimes just hearing a friendly voice and some reassurance can mean everything. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

AROMATHERAPY

Ever notice how the aroma of chocolate chip cookies always makes people feel at home? Choose an aroma that is calming for you. Aromatherapy diffusers are now portable and offer a bit of calming and centering. It could be lavender, vanilla or peppermint. Close your eyes, concentrate and breathe in.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

There are many apps that focus on calming, meditation and even EFT Tapping. Aura, Headspace and Calm are all popular and offer multiple options. Listen to a story, the sounds of the ocean or jungle, white noise, meditation instruction or just music. It’s all right on your phone.