Every single person has dealt with stress and anxiety at one point or another in their lives. Feeling anxious is something that might influence your productivity and make it a little harder to focus on the things you want to get done.
It can come up in the most random situations, sometimes when you’re working on a super intense report or even overthinking a nonexistent conversation! Try these six tips the next time you start to feel a little anxious.
1. Drink water.
This might seem like something basic and as if it might not be the most immediate concern when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, but by drinking water, you’re giving your body a necessary nutrient to think straight. Drinking water—particularly cold water—wakes your system up and hydrates you, allowing for your brain to begin to ground yourself and calm down a bit. This is especially helpful when you’re feeling overwhelmed with work.
2. Use your sense of touch to identify and feel objects.
Sometimes, when stress and anxiety strike, it takes certain things to ground yourself. Try using your sense of touch to find some peace! If you reach and touch the chair you’re sitting on, or the material on your clothes, and really focus on the way it feels, it allows your mind to ground itself and focus on a single thing, rather than the other things that could be overwhelming you. Keep your head on the ground and out of the clouds!
3. Pick up your phone, and call someone close to you.
This could range from chatting with your parents all the way to your best friend, but hearing their voice and talking about things with them is often very relieving. Gossiping with your best friend, giggling with your partner, or checking in on our family is always a good way to relieve any stress you might be feeling!
4. Focus on your breathing.
If you’re able to keep your breathing steady and calm, then the rest of your life and the things you’re handling will feel calm too. It’s super easy to regulate your breathing, especially if you’re breathing to the tempo of some music or practicing some self-care with a loved one—make it fun, and it won’t seem as tedious!
This too shall pass
Even though bouts of anxiety and moments of stress can be a little difficult to get through, it’s a lot easier to handle when you know where to begin. These are just a few tips to help you tackle stress and anxiety as it comes—and if you have more, make sure to leave them below!