Easing Anxiety

Butterflies in the stomach or a case of the jitters often happens when you're anxious or nervous about something. But what happens when worrying gets to be too much. Sue Perry, Deputy Editor for ShopSmart Magazine shares the best treatments for anxiety and when it's time to get help.

Heart pumping exercise is usually effective when trying to combat anxiety. While it lifts your mood, regular exercise can also take your mind off your worries. Studies also show, when exercising, stress hormones are reduced in the body. If you're loosing sleep over your worries physical activity can also help fight insomnia.

Taking time to relax can also make a difference. It sounds simple, but studies show mind body activities such as Yoga and Tai Chi act to combat stress. A hobby can also be beneficial in helping you to relax by causing you to focus in the moment on what you are doing.

Sometimes you may forget to breath properly when you're under stress. Practicing meditation can help. All you need is as little as fifteen minutes of deep, purposeful breathing to make a difference. Studies show meditation can help rechannel chemicals in the brain that can trigger anxiety.

Writing your thoughts out in a journal lets out your feelings and allows you to let them go. It can also show you patterns or triggers of the anxiety. That can in turn empower you to do something about the cause of the anxiety.

Do skip the herbs. Don't self medicate. There are herbs that promise to reduce anxiety, but they could come with medical consequences. You do not want to create another problem trying to cure another. It's best to go to a doctor when you feel the need to self medicate or you've tried all the other tips and have not been successful in alleviating anxiety. Talking things out with someone you trust has also proven to work.

For more information on relieving anxiety and other consumer topics, click here.

Sue Perry & Erika Wortham