Anxiety

Did you know that your body's natural response to danger is to freeze, flee, or fight? In response to a threat or perceived threat, our body releases hormones to prepare us to take action. However, for some of us, our bodies natural response gets stuck in overdrive which results in anxiety and/or panic disorder.

Symptoms of Anxiety

The following are some of the symptoms of anxiety:

    · headaches

    · light headedness or dizziness

    · sweating

    · dry mouth

    · tiredness

    · choking sensation

    · shortness of breath

    · tightness of the chest or chest pains

    · nausea

    · flushing/chills

    · palpitations

    · loss of appetite or craving for food

    · stomach pains

    · "butterflies"

    · bladder weakness/diarrhea

    · trembling

    · shakiness

    · pins and needles

    · "jelly legs"

    · racing thoughts or confusion

    · feelings of unreality

    · fear of losing control or doing something embarrassing

What now?

According to Dr. Archibald Hart, a world-renowned expert on adrenaline and stress, knowing the basics of what causes anxiety is the first step in managing one's anxiety. Knowledge combined with a willingness to "make a sustained effort on several fronts... altering your lifestyle (especially lowering stress below your threshold), changing your thinking habits, and learning how to relax" as well as using meditation or mindfulness skills can help you begin to find relief from your anxiety (Hart, 1999, p. 39).

I can help you to challenge your current thinking habits as well as teach you relaxation and mindfulness skills so that you no longer have to be a slave to your anxiety.

In the mean time, when you f ind yourself in a anxious moment, try this breathing technique to help "turn the volume down" on your anxiety:

Inhale through your nose for a count of 4, hold your breath for 1 count, and then exhale for a count of 8 through your mouth. Do this breath four times.


This may take your anxiety down to a more manageable level.



Hart, A. D. (1999). The Anxiety Cure . Nashville, TN: Word Publishing.

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