Do I have anxiety?
Ever wonder if you have anxiety? Here are 5 common symptoms and how to combat them when they happen.
1. Constant worry. No matter what is happening in your life, you feel nervous all the time. Your mind instantly creates the ‘worst-case scenario.’ A simple phone call from your boss sends you into a spiral and you start to believe you’re going to get fired.
Tip: Create your ‘safe space.’ Working from home? Put on your favorite music and light your favorite candle. Create that area that you can escape to and take a second to check-in with yourself.
2. Stomach issues. Ever notice when life becomes stressful, you either lose your appetite or overeat? Yup, that’s anxiety. When anxiety kicks in, our bodies instantly retreat into fight or flight mode. What does that mean? You’re basically putting yourself in survival mode, so every other action becomes irrelevant, and your body’s main focus is making sure you are safe.
Tip: Keep mints around! I know, sounds crazy, but mints help soothe your stomach and help your body focus on a new sensation when you’re anxious. (And if you live in hot Orlando, Florida like me, they won’t melt in your car or bag!)
3. Trouble sleeping. Tossing and turning at night? Or having issues just getting to sleep? Let me guess, your mind is racing, and the thoughts just don’t seem to ever end. When we are dealing with anxious thoughts, it is difficult for our bodies to be able to enter a calm state and allow for rest. Anxiety is a physical condition and will display itself in physical ways such as muscle tension or your heart racing. Because your body is reacting to fight or flight mode, your body continues to react in survival mode which makes it difficult to relax and sleep.
Tip: Create a healthy sleep routine. Avoid using your phone at least 2 hours before bedtime and avoid watching any high energy or high conflict TV shows and movies. Hot tea with relaxing music (white noise, meditation stations on YouTube, etc) after a hot shower. Create a relaxing environment that will allow your body and mind to enter sleep mode.
4. Irritability. Lately you’ve been feeling on edge and that’s not like you. Being irritable is a normal reaction to anxiety. The smallest things have been setting you off and you have started reacting to the ones closest to you like your partner or kids. There is so much on your plate, and it’s just become difficult to manage it all.
Tip: TAKE. A. BREAK. Step outside and take a breath of fresh air. Go for a ride around the block and sing your favorite song at the top of your lungs. Give yourself the space you deserve and take a break!
5. Difficulty Concentrating. Makes sense, right? Your mind is always racing so focusing on the simplest task is impossible. There are 2 extremes: totally distracted and zoning out or overwhelmed to the point where you can’t even complete a task.
Tip: Write it down! Journaling isn’t for everyone but keep a notepad next to your bed or workstation to write down your thoughts. Bullet journaling (short, brief sentences) works just as good as writing pages of what’s going on and will help you focus better.
Want to learn how to manage your anxiety? Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our talented therapists in Winter Park so we can get started!
