Anxiety
Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress. It's a feeling of fear or apprehension about what's to come. The first day of school, going to a job interview, or giving a speech may cause most people to feel fearful and nervous. - https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety
Anxiety is quite hard to live with and it’s different for everyone. A lot of people might not understand anxiety but everyone gets anxiety from time to time just other people are anxious all the time.
What triggers one person's anxiety may not create the same response in someone else.
A break-up, concern about exams or work, or an argument with a friend can make you feel anxious, worried or scared.
Anxiety is an everyday feeling. But it can become a problem when there is no obvious reason for it. Or when anxious feelings persist for more than a couple of weeks.
Physical effects of anxiety
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Dry mouth and/or difficulty swallowing
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Nightmares
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Difficulty getting to and staying asleep
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Poor concentration
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Muscle tension and headaches
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Rapid heart rate and breathing
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Sweating or trembling
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Diarrhoea
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A flare-up of another health problem or illness (for example, dermatitis, asthma)
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Some common ways anxiety can affect your behaviour and feelings
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Irritability or always being in a bad mood
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Having a strong urge to avoid situations that could trigger your anxiety
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Worry or always feeling that something bad is about to happen
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Asking a lot of needless questions and needing constant reassurance
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Being a perfectionist
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Being pessimistic and focusing on what may go wrong in any given situation
How to deal with anxiety.
Try these when you're feeling anxious or stressed:
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Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
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Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
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Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
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Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
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Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.
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Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
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Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
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Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.
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Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
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Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
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Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
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Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
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Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
