Dealing with anxiety: 10 ways get calm

Check out our easy peasy strategies for beating anxiety

1. 
   

   Get calm Make time to meditate, even if it’s just for 10 minutes a day. You don’t have to adhere to any strict rules to get the stress-relieving benefits of this mind game – just find a quiet space to sit and ‘be’ in the moment. Try to keep your thoughts from wandering and make an effort to acknowledge your surroundings.

   
   


2. 
   

   Go for a run The infamous runner’s high is a great way to relieve anxiety; the feel-good hormones pumping around your body will help to pick up your mood. Plus, you’ll feel energized by achieving small goals – even if it’s just racking up a 5K run.

   
   


3. 
   

   Take a chill pill Natural relaxants can be a great way to keep anxiety at bay. Try Vitrano, which contains Rhodiola Rosea root extract – it’s thought to relieve symptoms of stress including fatigue, exhaustion, and anxiety. Or, pop a Rescue Gummy Star. The chewy shapes are packed with soothing Rescue Remedy and a natural orange flavor – great when you’re on the go.

   
   


4. 
   

   Write a list We’re often consumed with worry about things we can’t control. If this is the case, take a step back from the problem and try to accept that you will just have to let events take their course. If it is something you can affect the outcome of, make a list of action points – and include when and how you can achieve each item. Just making the list and breaking the problem down into manageable sections will ease your mind.

   
   


5. 
   

   Have a laugh Laughing out loud, whether it’s at a stand-up comedian or your mates’ terrible jokes, will help you forget your troubles. A good chuckle can lift your mood, stimulate your organs, activate your stress response, and help to boost circulation and relax your muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic.

   
   


6. 
   

   Breathe deep If worrying is disrupting your sleep, sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow before you hit the hay. The pleasing aroma is thought to promote relaxation and has a slight calming and soothing sedative effect when inhaled.

   
   


7. 
   

   Lend a  hand Stuck in a worry rut? Shift the focus to someone else. Volunteering in your community or simply helping out a friend can help you to see the bigger picture, putting your problems in perspective. Plus, it’ll reap big rewards for you, too – studies show donating your time can improve physical and mental health.

   
   


8. 
   

   Declutter Whether your life is physically cluttered or just mentally busy, taking time to chuck out the rubbish can make you feel instantly more positive. If your bedroom, house or flat is overrun with stuff, grab a bin bag and commit to giving at least 10 percent of it to charity. Take the same approach with your diary to give yourself some headspace.

   
   


9. 
   

   Stretch out The slow, rhythmic movements of yoga can help to clear stress and anxiety from your body and mind. Go for a class that best suits your mood: if you need to chill after a hectic day, a slow Hatha class is ideal; if your mind is racing, try a more strenuous class will divert those insistent negative thoughts.

   
   


10. 
    

    Talk about it If your smaller worries have spiraled into bigger problems, don’t be afraid to talk to the pros. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. Working with an expert in this field can help you to see the link between your negative thoughts and your mood and help you to develop more control over your emotions. The best part is, it can be effective no matter what your state of anxiety.