Share

5 quick fix ways to calm your anxiety

accreditation

Anxiety is awful. The nervous feeling, sweaty hands, heart palpitations, and churning stomach – it’s just the worst. And whether you have an actual disorder, like me, or just get get anxious sometimes because of your job or family stress, you need to learn how to cope with it so that it doesn’t take over your life.

These tips are just generalised ways of calming yourself down, if you want to change it to suit your needs or already have ways to calm your anxiety, then tell us about it.

Read more: This is what a panic attack looks like

Here are a few helpful tips to soothe yourself:

Accept that anxious feeling

Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel the way you do, and that you’re in control of your body. Accept it, feel it, lean into it, but don’t let it overtake you. Learning to work through the anxiety is hard, but it can be helpful. Realise that your brain is playing tricks on you – this too shall pass. Then do the following step:

Practice breathing exercises

Breathing is very important and it can change the way your body feels quite quickly. You can try these two breathing exercises from Man Repeller, or try putting one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Then inhale deeply through your nose for five counts and exhale through your mouth for five counts.

The hand on your stomach should rise and fall with the inhaling and exhaling, but the hand on your chest should stay still. This really helps me when I feel anxious.

Question your thoughts

Is this real? Am I being realistic? Will my worst fears be realised? Or is my brain working overtime for no reason? Try to rationalise your thoughts and challenge the bad things you’re currently occupying your mind.

Also, remember to use positive language when talking to yourself. Don’t say “I can’t deal with this”, but rather, “this anxiety feels bad, but I can manage it if I try these coping strategies”.

Read more: How my anxiety helped me get into shape

Talk to someone

The worst thing about anxiety is feeling alone. When you feel overwrought and or even slightly more nervous than usual, tell someone how you feel and, if you can think of an actual cause, tell them why.

Or, if you prefer, distract yourself by talking about something else you both enjoy. If you don’t mind being touched when you’re anxious, ask for a hug – it releases dopamine which will coat your brain in happy juice.

Listen to some good music

Whether it’s the latest pop song, some dark, heavy music, a soothing classical piece or your favourite Missy Elliott track (I don’t know about you, but I love her), play something that makes you feel positive and happy, perhaps even something that gets you to dance in your chair a bit.

Remember, if your anxiety cannot be calmed by these methods - if you’re having panic attacks or depressive episodes - you might need to see a doctor to find the right course of action for you. There’s no shame in seeking medical help for your problem.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE