Making anxiety your friend.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Making Anxiety Your Friend

Approximately 40 million Americans – 18% of the population have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can be explained by so many as; the fear of the unknown to symptomatic of a panic attack. Constant mind racing and “what if’s” is all internal activity. However you describe it, anxiety can be debilitating and a daily struggle. There are ways to use anxiety to your advantage and make it your friend, ending the dreadful feelings.

Negative association and perception are related to the word anxiety. When we think we have anxiety or stress or hear that someone else has it it can be viewed as negative. To change this, you have to change your perception. Be proactive while utilizing the power of positive thinking. Start with what you want to eliminate or change and channel your anxious energy into a specific task. Sometimes I get anxious by the length of my action item list. The number of tasks I can acquire surpasses the amount of time I have to complete them. To combat this, I ask for help or chunk the action items down into priority.

Anxiety can be triggered by different circumstances such as; finances, social encounters, relationships, work environments, etc. It doesn’t discriminate. Don’t view your stress or anxiety as a negative, make it your friend. In order to grow and achieve your goals and dreams, you need to acquire and attract what you want in your life. You have to step out of our comfort zone. If you’re afraid then just do it with fear. Don’t let it immobilize you. Use it as an opportunity to become more.

Another suggestion is to ensure you’re getting enough exercise. Whenever you feel that your stress level has increased, use it as an excuse to hit the gym. Movement helps to decrease anxiety and depression; it even reduces stress levels. Not to mention you’ll work on your figure in the process. A win win.

Put yourself in challenging situations and outside your comfort zone. Be excited for the process and the journey that comes with this. When I do perform lectures, I always get nervous, but I love to do them because I feel like I’m helping people. I put myself in those nervous brief “stressful” situations because in order to get better I need to keep stepping outside my comfort zone. This helps me grow, be a better communicator, add value, and fulfill my purpose. Facing your fears improves you.

Short or long-term anxiety can impact the body physically but long-term may have more negative effects on the body so be sure to nurture yourself. After enduring what you feel is an anxious situation, be sure to be mindful of your physical or emotional state and relax with stretching or meditation. Release and breathe deeply through it until you feel it has subsided a bit. If this still isn’t working, you can try Ignatia amara 30C homeopathy. This can be found at your local health food store or Whole Foods. It soothes emotional strain, i.e. anxiety.

Use your anxiety, don’t let it use you. Use it as change to reflect on your present life. Use it as a way to help others, be creative, or embrace a new hobby or purpose. Putting in the effort to help someone or improve your life will help to ease your racing mind and relax your physical being, focusing on other things than worrying. Channel that negative energy into a positive outcome.

In health + wellness, Allison

Allison Feehan N.D., D.Psc, CRMT

Owner of the Coastal Cottage 64 Bridge Avenue Bay Head, NJ 08742

Volume 5, Issue 54 6 Check us out online at www.typhoonmedianj.com