Coping With Anxiety at Home- Control Unwanted Thoughts and Lessen Anxious Feelings - By: H. Mikael Nisula

Coping with anxiety while being out in society (at work or around family, for example) is one of the most difficult things you will encounter. However, experiencing feelings of anxiety at home is also a daily reality for millions of people. When anxiety becomes a way of life (even at home), coping and controlling the disorder becomes an art. While simply "turning off" unwanted thoughts is impossible, diverting attention away from them can be an opportunity to get back in touch with nature, your body and even your spirituality. Here are six ways I have found to lessen anxious feelings around your home and community:

1) Is your television subconsciously feeding into your anxiety? During times of heightened anxiety at home, take notice of the shows you're watching. Are you viewing too many 'negative' TV shows? Shows such as horror flicks or watching news channels (to only suggest a few) may all be negatively impacting your feelings of anxiety. During these bouts, try to lessen anxious feelings by, A) substitute stressful shows with more enlightened ones such as comedies, cartoons, animal shows etc... (whatever makes you happy), or B) Turn off the TV altogether, and do something more healthy such as going outside.

2) To control unwanted thoughts, get out of the house and take a brisk walk around the community. Nothing bad that can come out of being in nature, especially when coping with anxiety. Basking in the sunlight, hearing the singing birds, feeling the wind on your face are all great nature's gifts to help break out of your mind's monotony. In addition you'll be promoting another natural anxiety buster -- exercise!

3) The benefits of exercising are two-fold. A) It helps your brain naturally make beneficial chemicals such as serotonin, known to promote mood, relaxation and well-being throughout the body, and B) It just plain makes you feel better afterwards, and helps you look better long-term, thusly improving self-esteem. Many studies show that your exercise of choice does not need to be rigorous to be effective -- simple brisk walks (as mentioned above) can work wonders to lessen anxious feelings. Pilates and swimming are two other great low-impact ways of getting good exercise. Afterwards, reward yourself for better coping with anxiety, by taking a relaxing hot shower.

4) A hot shower can do wonders anytime -- after working out or whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed by your anxiety and want to control unwanted thoughts. For years when I was suffering from debilitating feelings of anxiety at home, I would take a piping hot shower the moment I began to feel overwhelmed, and repeat as necessary throughout the day. A bath, hot tub, or sauna can also lessen anxious feelings. Sometimes a nice hot shower would help induce a much needed nap afterwards.

5) Napping. This is one of the best weapons for coping with feelings of anxiety at home. But how do you fall asleep when your mind is so 'out of control?' Believe me, it's not easy. But A) Use my advice above and use hot water therapy and lay down afterwards, B) Eat a good lunch. Sometimes the body just wants to lay down and relax after a meal, or C) Just lay down and hope to get lucky. You'd be surprised, even when you feel you can't control unwanted thoughts the body just wants sleep, and 'rest' will naturally over-ride your anxious thinking. The bottom line is to try to take a nap if at all possible -- it is a sure way to lessen anxious feelings the remainder of the day.

6) Finally, fight fire with fire. Don't fear your feelings of anxiety -- in fact fight it head on ! Use your time at home surfing the internet finding out ALL these is to know about coping with anxiety. When I first began suffering from anxiety in the mid 1990's few people had the internet, but I went to the book store and bought several books on anxiety. From this education, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. By researching anxiety you are likely to gain the following knowledge:

You will feel more reassured that you are not going crazy.

You'll relieve many self doubts and feelings of hopelessness.

You'll learn that anxiety does not have to be a lifelong battle and many
people recover fully and end up living normal healthy lives.

Anxiety is not classified as a disease but rather a very treatable
disorder.

You are not alone (17+ million people in America alone are coping with anxiety
at any one time).

These are just some things you can do in and around the privacy of your home to ease feelings of anxiety. Some other ideas include yoga or meditation, cooking a favorite dish, working on a garden, or writing a journal or blog. The possibilities of coping with anxiety at home are endless. Use your imagination!

About the Author

Expanding on his personal battles and recovery from anxiety & depression, H. Mikael Nisula authors and operates his website Helpful Remedies. His page offers practical solutions for anxiety and its associated disorders, such as addiction to alcohol, insomnia and depression.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/H--Mikael-Nisula/147987

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