What can I do to ease anxiety?

Anxiety is common in the general population. The latter can be triggered by a variety of factors, from stress at work to personal problems. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming, it’s important to find ways of managing it. Here are a few strategies that can help ease anxiety.

Deep breathing

One of the simplest yet most useful techniques is deep breathing. The aim is simply to try to breathe in and, above all, to breathe out slowly and deeply through the nose, quietly calming internal agitation. The aim is to feel the abdomen gently inflate and deflate, in other words, to breathe through the diaphragm. The breaths can be repeated until a state of calm is regained.

Meditation and mindfulness

Meditation can be an excellent way to reduce anxiety. You don’t need to be an expert to get started. Just find a quiet place, sit comfortably and concentrate on your breathing. Try to do this for at least 5 to 10 minutes a day.

Physical exercise

Exercise is not only good for your general physical health, it can also be a great way to manage your anxiety by dislodging the excess adrenaline caused by stress. Even a short walk outside helps your mood and reduces stress.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can both contribute to anxiety. Try to limit your use of these substances, especially if you are already suffering from anxious feelings.

Talk about it

Sometimes, talking about your concerns with someone you trust can help. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a friend or family member, consider consulting a professional.

Establish a routine

Having a daily routine can help you feel more in control and less anxious. Try to get up and go to bed at the same time every day, eat balanced meals and plan time to relax.

Write down your thoughts

Keeping a diary can help you manage your anxiety by distancing yourself from anxiety-provoking thoughts. Writing down your thoughts and worries can help you better understand and question them, so you can replace them with more constructive thoughts.

Consult a professional

If your anxiety becomes too difficult to manage on your own, it may be useful to consult a professional. A psychologist can help you identify the causes of your anxiety and develop strategies to manage it.

Anxiety can be an overwhelming emotion, but it’s important to remember that there are many strategies and resources available to help you cope with your anxiety problems. Don’t hesitate to try out different techniques to find the ones that suit you best.

Take care of yourself and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Megan Turgeon - Psychologie Anxiété Laval

Megan Turgeon

Ph.D. candidate in Psychology

She is currently a doctoral candidate in psychology at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and is on her way to completing her academic journey.

She has completed internships in various environments which have allowed her to work with children, teenagers, and adults. In her career, she works with individuals with a variety of issues, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and personal and relational difficulties.

Through her thesis subject, she is also developing expertise related to issues of infertility, assisted reproduction, and the transition to parenthood. In her practice, she is committed to providing a safe, client-centered space to welcome their difficulties and suffering.

She uses the cognitive-behavioral approach as well as therapeutic techniques from different psychological approaches that allow her to adapt to the specific needs of each person she meets.

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