4 Ways To Ease Anxiety

It’s easy to become stressed by any number of day-to-day events or activities, and a lot of the time we don’t always have the time or space to take a longer break from the stressor. So here are a few tips to help you ease any anxiety you may be experiencing.

Make a list

This is most effective when you’re trying to focus or trying to sleep. So having some post-it notes on your bedside table or beside you in classes can relieve the nagging thought of an important upcoming task or date, and allows you to focus on the task at hand.

Play with a stress relief toy

Stress relief toys can be commonly found at any physical or online store. The beauty of them  is that most are small enough to fit into a bag or pocket for instant relief. The EHE Health states that ‘manipulating stress balls stimulates the brain to release feel-good endorphins, which are natural sedatives and pain relievers’

Browse the internet

Apps like Pinterest and YouTube allow you to create pins for different quotes/GIFs that you personally find calming. Similarly, reading the news can have the same effects, but you should be careful of the content’s nature as it might cause distress.

Channel your breathing

Althought it sounds cliche, it takes into account basic math and meditation techniques that can instantly calm you down. There are many different techniques you can research, such as the 4,7,8 technique. Listed below is the technique suggested by the NHS.

• Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it.
• Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Breathe in gently and regularly. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from 1 to 5.  But you may not be able to reach 5 at first.
• Then, without pausing or holding your breath, let it flow out gently, counting from 1 to 5 again.

Hope you find these tips helpful. If you need further support, check out Young Minds.