The best steps to help EASE ANXIETY

Anxiety often flares up when you believe something terrible is going to happen and you won’t be able to cope, presenting worst-case scenarios and preventing rational thoughts from prevailing. But no amount of excessive worrying will prepare you for what will or won’t happen. The key is to challenge those thoughts.

Ground yourself with a simple breathing exercise – breathe in for a count of four, hold for two and breathe out for a count of six. It will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps relax your fight or flight response. Catch, challenge and change your thoughts into something more helpful.

Establish a good night-time routine. Don’t watch anything too stimulating or frightening, and turn off your phone and social media for at least an hour before bed to avoid anything that may spike your anxiety or cause your mind to wander. Try meditation and breath work for grounding yourself at the beginning and end of each day. Keep one small promise to yourself that helps build your level of self-trust. It could be something small and practical. The main thing is to commit to getting it done so you can begin to rely on your ability to handle things.

Move more. Using your body does wonders for your mental and physical wellbeing. And stay connected to friends and family – nurture relationships that add to your quality of life. Set goals for 2021 – learn a new skill, discover somewhere new or get in better shape. Putting your goals down on paper gives you something tangible to focus on and look forward to.