Health & Wellness: Controlling Anxiety & Stress
Leslie Sommer • July 17, 2024

Controlling Anxiety and Stress

We've all had those days at work where everything seems to be going wrong.


You're running late, you're stressed, and just thinking about your next meeting or conversation with a colleague can fill you with anxiety. It's like your brain is on high alert, making it hard to calm down and refocus.


It's tempting to try to shake off the negative thoughts by telling yourself to "just focus on the positive" or "reframe" your thinking. But when you're already feeling overwhelmed, it's hard to do that.


A recent study found that when we're stressed, our brain's "fight or flight" system kicks in, making it harder to control our thoughts and emotions.


So, what can we do when we're feeling anxious and stressed? Instead of trying to control our thoughts, we can try techniques that bypass the part of our brain that's responsible for anxiety.


Mindfulness meditation is one way to do this. It's about acknowledging and accepting our thoughts without judgment, rather than trying to change them.


The idea is to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them. When anxious thoughts arise, notice them and let them go. Direct your attention to something else, like your breath. It may take practice, but with time, it can become a powerful tool for managing anxiety.


If you're having one of those stressful days at work and need to face a potentially anxiety-provoking meeting, try taking a few minutes to breathe deeply and focus on the present moment. It may be just what you need to reset your brain's anxiety center and feel more calm and centered.


And lastly, a change of scenery like a walk in the park, some form of exercise you enjoy or reading a book may just be enough to get you back on track.



Source:https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm


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