Coping with anxiety

Worrying about the future is not unusual – we all do it. However, when the anxieties and pressures of everyday life get in the way of living the day-to-day, that’s when it’s time to step back and take a breather (literally). If you are concerned that anxiety is becoming more than you can manage, here are some simple tips to help you cope.

• Avoid stressors if possible – if you know what triggers you, and if it’s something you can work around, do so.
• Think positive
• Keep a sense of humour – learning to laugh at little things may be one of the best coping strategies you can develop.
• Maintain your perspective – situations cannot always be controlled, and they will pass; tomorrow’s another day.
• Be proud of your accomplishments
• Count to ten – a tried-and-true method of alleviating anxiety.
• Breathe deeply – ditto.
• Eat right (and don’t skip meals!)
• Get plenty of sleep

What people often fail to recognise is that anxiety is normal, and it is an important part of our survival instinct. It becomes a problem when we see danger in even the smallest things, and the anxiety becomes overwhelming. If you feel that this is happening to you, talk to Peter about reinforcing your coping strategies.