How to Deal With Anxiety When It Happens

By Stephen R. Farris

It's the end of the month. You've been working day and night nearly every single moment you can to finish up all those quarterly reports that are due in a couple of days, but you're not quite sure you'll make it. All of a sudden, you feel your heart begins to beat faster. Your hands get sweaty, as well as your forehead. You have a panicked feeling. What you're probably experiencing is anxiety, our body's natural defense during stressful situations.

Almost anything can trigger the feeling of anxiety. It could come from being in a crowded room, or riding in an elevator. Here are a few other things that could trigger your anxiety:

• Driving or traveling
• Genetics
• Side effects from certain medications
• Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol 
• Trauma 
• Chronic pain
• Caffeine
• Phobias
• Chronic illness
• Other mental illnesses  

The important thing is to learn how to identify what makes you feel stressed -- the triggers -- and how to better cope with it.

Ask Questions of Your Mind

Thinking negatively can overtake our thinking process and make us feel more anxious about things than we should be. Start questioning those fears. Face them head on and learn what is true and what's not. Take back control of your thoughts.

Deep Breathing and Aromatherapy

Practice deep breathing techniques, like those used in aerobic exercises such as tai chi and yoga. Or just simply close your eyes and take a deep breath. Hold it for a couple of seconds, then slowly exhale. Do this several times until you begin to feel more calm. In aromatherapy, different scents such as lavender, chamomile and sandalwood, from oils, incense or candles are used and have been proven to bring on a sense of calmness.  

Take a Walk or Exercise

When anxiety strikes, if possible, take a walk out of the office and get some fresh air. Maybe find a quiet place and do some yoga stretching for several minutes or more.

Visit with your local chiropractor to find out what they may suggest to help with your anxiety. They could have tips and useful advice to give you, as well as literature available for you to take home and read. 

 And if you're feeling pain in your back, neck and/or joints, go see the chiropractors at any of the nearly 500 nationwide The Joint Chiropractic offices. Chances are, there's one in or near your neighborhood. No appointment is necessary, so what are you waiting for? Go get relief from your pain now! 

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sacramento, Calif.

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