If you are living with anxiety, you aren't alone. This mental health condition impacts an estimated 40 million adults in the United States — approximately 18% of the population. The good news is that you can live a perfectly healthy life with anxiety. The key is to find coping mechanisms and implement them on a daily basis. Find out how you can better manage your anxiety with certain mental, physical, and social habits below.

Strategies for Managing Anxiety

Mental

Mindfulness is one way to mentally address anxiety. Possible techniques include meditation or deep breathing. These activities slow down your mind and even your body. For instance, slowing breathing slows your heart rate, and it's been shown that meditation lowers blood pressure. High heart rate and blood pressure are linked to anxiety.

Learning to identify anxiety-causing triggers is also useful. Doing so will prepare you to manage anxiety when these factors arise. A therapist can help you identify triggers through discussions. They can also teach you coping mechanisms like breathing exercises. 

Social

Your social habits also play a role in your anxiety. Getting out and connecting with other people are essential. Even talking to a friend helps combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness that anxiety often brings. Studies have further shown that laughter can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, so even joking with a friend may be helpful.

Physical

Research has shown that regular aerobic exercise decreases a person's tension levels while also elevating and stabilizing their mood. Even five minutes of physical activity can let you experience the anxiety-reducing impact of exercise. If you have trouble convincing yourself to exercise, try working out with a friend. The added support can motivate you and make the activity more fun.

Be Kind to Yourself

If you are suffering from anxiety, you will benefit from being kind to yourself and recognizing you are more than your anxious thoughts and feelings; you have unique strengths and contributions to make. Experiment with self-compassion and self-care as you develop your ability to manage anxious thoughts and feelings effectively.

If you are struggling to gain control of your anxiety, trust Fairbanks Psychiatric & Neurological Clinic APC of Fairbanks, AK, to help. Their team of experienced psychologists and psychiatrists provides compassionate, personalized care. You will be met with a sympathetic ear and receive a tailor-made treatment plan with solutions designated for your needs. Kjersti Bowen, LCSW, is now seeing new clients on a case-by-case basis. Start the scheduling process by calling (907) 452-1739.