Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Anxiety - Physical Symptoms and Coping Strategies

Physical Symptoms

Anxiety is more than just a feeling; it can be a physical ailment. It does not only affect us emotionally and cause various mental symptoms, but it can also cause a long list of physical symptoms that can harm us. Physical symptoms accompanied by anxiety are often mistaken for some other form of physical illness which can create a dangerous circle of continuous worry over medical concerns. In order to seek proper treatment for anxiety disorders, it is essential to recognize the physical symptoms as well. Common physical symptoms of anxiety disorders include headaches, nausea, increased heart rate, and muscle cramps.

Coping Strategies

Once we have identified what type of anxiety problems we may be facing, we can focus on how to cope with them and keep them from controlling our everyday life. Coping strategies for anxiety are lifestyle changes that are designed to help you take control, and better manage your anxiety. Since anxiety and its symptoms will affect everyone differently, so too will the strategies for coping with anxiety. It is best to find what coping strategies work with you. Luckily, there are many treatments, therapies and self-help strategies available to the public that can be customized to our needs.

Keeping a Journal

Keeping a journal is a constructive way to channel feelings of stress or anxiety into more productive and healthy thoughts. Writing in a journal allows a person to write freely and openly without having fear of being judged or criticized, as it will not be seen by anyone. It is a place to let go of negativity, explore your fears, and manage your stress. Your goals, thoughts, and dreams can also be communicated in your personal diary or journal. When you have a place to keep your thoughts, life can feel a little more manageable.

Power of Positive Thinking

Sometimes our anxieties can get the best of us simply because we let them by welcoming in the negative thoughts they bring with them. But when we engage in positive thinking and use words of encouragement, we can change how our anxieties affect us. Phrases such as “I’m going to faint!” and “I can’t do it!” can negatively affect how we handle a certain situation or problem and can make anxieties worse. To counteract these thoughts, we can focus on calming and soothing positive thoughts that can make us feel better about ourselves and whatever situation we have to face. By putting a stop to thoughts that can lead to anxiety or stress and replacing them with positive and encouraging thoughts, we are conditioning ourselves to permanently adapt our brain to this type of behavior and improving the way we handle difficult situations.

Sample positive thinking phrases:

• “I can do this.”

• “These feelings may be uncomfortable, but they won’t last.”

• “I will not fail and others will see my success.”

• “My anxiety cannot make me lose control.”

 Until next time ...

 




Sheryl Tuchman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

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