Overcoming anxiety generally begins with recognizing the problem. Talking to someone about the condition can help a sufferer to grasp the reality of it and to identify underlying issues. Then the individual can begin combating the problem by developing a habit of positive thinking and setting manageable goals. Before overcoming this issue, it is likely that the sufferer will have to confront past incidents that contribute to his or her anxiety and develop a strategy to reduce stress.
Anxiety is generally defined as a reaction to stress. It is, however, a negative reaction that is often debilitating. Many people fail to acknowledge anxiety as a real condition that is characterized by real symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, abnormal perspiration, and nausea. Overcoming anxiety will be especially difficult without making this acknowledgment and admitting that there is a need for change.
Talking to someone can be a major aid in overcoming anxiety. Some people do not realize how severe their conditions are until they begin explaining them. Professional help is likely to be the best option because this can help to reveal underlying issues, but it is not the only option. A great deal of progress can also be made by conversing about the problem with a supportive associate.
Negatives are often balanced out with positives. Since anxiety is a negative reaction, it can be helpful if a person develops a habit of positive thinking. This may be a bit more difficult than it sounds because a person must first be objective enough to characterize her negative thoughts. Then she must make a conscious effort to replace them with thoughts that are more reasonable and enabling.
If a person oversimplifies the problem by deciding that one random day will be dedicated to overcoming anxiety, he is likely to experience frustrating results. He may even end up feeling as if improving the situation is impossible. For this reason, it is best to set realistic and manageable goals aimed toward overcoming anxiety gradually.
Overcoming anxiety commonly involves confronting issues that have been habitually avoided. For example, a person’s apprehension of riding the subway may stem from an instance when she was attacked in a station. This incident may have led her to conclude that subways are generally dangerous, and she may suffer before each occasion that she is forced to ride on one. Pretending that an underlying cause does not exist or trying to forget that it happened while suffering from anxiety can prevent a person from getting better.
Reducing stress is also an important factor in successfully overcoming anxiety. Since stress is the prime trigger, it is logical to conclude that fewer triggers will result in fewer problems. It has been found that there is a connection between overcoming anxiety and exercising. It is believed that this is due to the connection between physical activity and stress reduction. Therefore, allotting time for activities such as yoga, swimming, or jogging can be very helpful.
