Anxiety

1 in 6 young people are affected by an anxiety problem at some point in their lives. It can affect anyone – no matter what their age, background or situation.

Check out this video fight flight or Freeze about anxiety:

Here are some tips to manage Anxiety in your day-to-day life:

Talk about it. If you have someone you trust, try talking to them about what makes you feel anxious. It can feel good to get it off your chest, and hopefully they can offer support. This includes going to your doctor if you are concerned.

Use relaxation techniques. Slow breathing is one of the best breathing techniques for anxiety and panic attacks because it slows your heart rate and your body’s fight-or-flight response.

Get out of the house. While it may be hard to motivate yourself, it is important for your well-being to get some fresh air and some exercise. You can go for a walk on your own or with a friend.

Make small steps towards a healthier lifestyle. It is important to pay attention to your physical health. You can start making changes by reducing the amount of sugar and caffeine in your diet, and eating regular meals at set times. Try to avoid drinking alcohol and taking drugs, as these are known to increase anxiety.

Distract yourself. Focusing your attention on something else can be beneficial. You could do a crossword puzzle, write a poem in your head, count the objects around you, recite the words to your favourite song, or count backwards from 100.

Pick up a new hobby. This can be a long-term objective to focus on. A great way to express yourself is through getting creative, by learning to draw, paint, or learning skills like knitting and crocheting. This can also be done through music, such as learning an instrument. You can also get your body moving by walking, running, or trying a new sport.