Are you the person who is constantly in the grips of high anxiety and stress? Does the thought of losing your job, (indeed if you currently have one) and being able to provide for you and your family leave you in a high state of agitation, almost completely neurotic? Is your heart always racing, your palms constantly sweaty, and do you feel as if your head will shortly explode because of the tension and constant strain on your nervous system?
My friend, I have been in your shoes. Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression following a traumatic event which took place in my life. I came out safely on the other side however. In learning how to beat anxiety personally in my case, it involved a lot of support, advice, and practicing behavior modification techniques. I will be all too glad to share with you what helped me regain control of my life.
You must first understand that having a high level of stress, agitation, and worry is not a permanent condition. Often individuals afflicted with these mental conditions simply resign themselves to the false notion that they will never get better. Nothing can be further from the truth. It will take however a lot of work, dedication, and a certain level of stubbornness on your part in wanting to overcome this condition. The point is that you should never give up.
Natural solutions would involve behavior techniques that do not rely solely on medication as providing the answer. I was prescribed medication only as a temporary solution in treating the symptoms that I was going through. I had the racing heart, elevated blood pressure, sickness to my stomach, and level of nervousness; all signs of anxiety. However, my psychiatrist made it crystal clear to me that the medication that I took only treated these symptoms. The pills that I took would never be the permanent solution to my condition. Any qualified and reputable specialist in the field of mental health would be almost mandated in providing this information to any patient.
Here are some behavioral techniques that I implemented in eventually helping me overcome my condition, as recommended by my doctor:
1). I found an activity that I enjoyed which eased my mind away from the triggers that led to my high state of agitation and stress. In my case I loved both airplanes and computers. So, I merged the two and, (through a lot of study on my part) became adept at flying jets using Microsoft flight simulation computer software. It became a very involved hobby of mine, but it was a rewarding and relaxing one as well. Whether it be playing chess, knitting, restoring cars, or gardening find an activity that will relax your entire being. Your thoughts need to be on something other than what is constantly causing you to be neurotic and constantly filled with overwhelming levels of stress.
2). I have always loved road bicycling since I was a youth when my parents bought me a ten-speed bike. I now own an 18 speed touring bike. I still ride 3-4 times per week, minimum. I often ride 20 or more miles per day. You need to get involved in a workout activity. Whether it is walking, running, biking, swimming, or playing hoops down at the rec; get your mind away from the thoughts that lead to your level of stress. You will be doing wonders for your cardiovascular system as you sweat. Another benefit through a workout regimen is that endorphins which create stress in your body will be released naturally as you engage in physical activity. You will be sweating, hopefully enjoying the activity that you participate in, lowering the level of stress in your body, and easing your mind all at once. It doesnt get any better than that.
Remember though to drink plenty of fluids, (water and sports drinks) during exercise to prevent becoming dehydrated. Take it even further by drinking fluids before the activity as a means of getting your body hydrated initially. Remember also the cool-down phase following a workout. Take the time afterward to do some gentle stretching exercises of different muscle groups. You would also be getting rid of the lactic acid that has built up in your body during the workout activity.
3). I encourage you to also build in some time daily simply participating in relaxing activities. Quietly sit down and read a book. Listen to soothing Classical music. Learn how to practice meditation or yoga exercises. While exercise which done properly taxes the body physically; relaxation techniques obviously have the opposite effect. In either case the benefit would be in taking your mind to a different place entirely; away from the negative thoughts which cause stress, worry, and agitation.
My friend, I have been in your shoes. Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression following a traumatic event which took place in my life. I came out safely on the other side however. In learning how to beat anxiety personally in my case, it involved a lot of support, advice, and practicing behavior modification techniques. I will be all too glad to share with you what helped me regain control of my life.
You must first understand that having a high level of stress, agitation, and worry is not a permanent condition. Often individuals afflicted with these mental conditions simply resign themselves to the false notion that they will never get better. Nothing can be further from the truth. It will take however a lot of work, dedication, and a certain level of stubbornness on your part in wanting to overcome this condition. The point is that you should never give up.
Natural solutions would involve behavior techniques that do not rely solely on medication as providing the answer. I was prescribed medication only as a temporary solution in treating the symptoms that I was going through. I had the racing heart, elevated blood pressure, sickness to my stomach, and level of nervousness; all signs of anxiety. However, my psychiatrist made it crystal clear to me that the medication that I took only treated these symptoms. The pills that I took would never be the permanent solution to my condition. Any qualified and reputable specialist in the field of mental health would be almost mandated in providing this information to any patient.
Here are some behavioral techniques that I implemented in eventually helping me overcome my condition, as recommended by my doctor:
1). I found an activity that I enjoyed which eased my mind away from the triggers that led to my high state of agitation and stress. In my case I loved both airplanes and computers. So, I merged the two and, (through a lot of study on my part) became adept at flying jets using Microsoft flight simulation computer software. It became a very involved hobby of mine, but it was a rewarding and relaxing one as well. Whether it be playing chess, knitting, restoring cars, or gardening find an activity that will relax your entire being. Your thoughts need to be on something other than what is constantly causing you to be neurotic and constantly filled with overwhelming levels of stress.
2). I have always loved road bicycling since I was a youth when my parents bought me a ten-speed bike. I now own an 18 speed touring bike. I still ride 3-4 times per week, minimum. I often ride 20 or more miles per day. You need to get involved in a workout activity. Whether it is walking, running, biking, swimming, or playing hoops down at the rec; get your mind away from the thoughts that lead to your level of stress. You will be doing wonders for your cardiovascular system as you sweat. Another benefit through a workout regimen is that endorphins which create stress in your body will be released naturally as you engage in physical activity. You will be sweating, hopefully enjoying the activity that you participate in, lowering the level of stress in your body, and easing your mind all at once. It doesnt get any better than that.
Remember though to drink plenty of fluids, (water and sports drinks) during exercise to prevent becoming dehydrated. Take it even further by drinking fluids before the activity as a means of getting your body hydrated initially. Remember also the cool-down phase following a workout. Take the time afterward to do some gentle stretching exercises of different muscle groups. You would also be getting rid of the lactic acid that has built up in your body during the workout activity.
3). I encourage you to also build in some time daily simply participating in relaxing activities. Quietly sit down and read a book. Listen to soothing Classical music. Learn how to practice meditation or yoga exercises. While exercise which done properly taxes the body physically; relaxation techniques obviously have the opposite effect. In either case the benefit would be in taking your mind to a different place entirely; away from the negative thoughts which cause stress, worry, and agitation.
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