ANXIETY Protection

You car won’t start and you are late for work. You begin to pace back and forth and wiring your hands. You feel your anxiety level raisings and you don’t know what you are going to do. Don’t panic, your reaction is normal.

Anxiety can be a normal, often beneficial, reaction to many events. Anxiety increases your alertness and can spur you to action. Mild apprehension can give a performer or athlete that extra boost to succeed.

But if dread, apprehension or tension preoccupy your days and disturb your sleep, you are too anxious. The issue can circumstances that can cause concern are:

• Health- You worry about the chances of you or a loved one becoming ill.
• Finances- A fixed income or loss of earning power may produce worry.
• Safety – A felling vulnerability, watching TV reports about crimes, diminished hearing and sight can add to this feeling.
• Loss- the death of spouse or friends, or the loss of a family make you feel apprehensive.
• Role changes- Retirement or empty nest syndrome may causes you to question your worth and purpose.
• Isolation- Loneliness and isolation can aggravate anxiety.

Anxiety can express itself in various ways. You may:

• Have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
• Dwell on a particular situation and find it difficult to think about something else.
• Feel tense, restless, jittery, dizzy and sweaty.
• Have trouble concentrating.
• Overeat or loss your appetite.
• Be overly vigilant and startle easily. Have a feeling of impending disaster.
• Be depressed (anxiety can mask depression).

When anxiety becomes an annoying part of your daily life, it is time to reassert your control. Your emotion and how you cope with life’s stresses play a role in your physical health. 

Anxiety can cause or worsen an illness. It can play a role in the following:

• Heart conditions.
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Dermatitis
• Tics
• Tremors.
• Speech impediments.

Anxiety Care:

• Deep breathing can be an immediate aid when faced with a stressful situation.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs.
• Do something you enjoy. A pleasant activity will help distract your mind and relax you.
• Get enough rest. A god night’s sleep is restorative and leaves you better able to cope.
• Exercise regularly. Physical exercises can relax you and help you to go to sleep promptly.
• Eat properly. Good nutrition may be a buffer against anxiety.
• Plan your time. A day with too much or too little to do may aggravate anxiety.
• Accept reality, it can be liberating.
• Get involved. Help yourself by helping others.
• Dress in cheery colors. They can help lift your mood.
• Fruit juice is known to be calming. Sip the one you prefer throughout the day.
• Pour 2 cupfuls of Epsom salts into warm bath and just try relaxing for half an hour without interruptions.
• Sage tea is known to have a calming effect. Try drinking several cups a day.
• If none of these actions help you feel calmer, or if your anxiety is growing more intense, it is time to discuss it with a professional.