Learning tips for overcoming anxiety can help you to regain control of your life. Each year many people are affected by varying degrees of anxiety; however, they simply do not know how to break free of what can become a vicious cycle. Sadly, many people may not even realize that the debilitating symptoms they experience are related to anxiety.

Anxiety symptoms include:
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Trembling or shaking
• Fear of losing control
• Fear of going crazy
• Hot or cold flashes
• Pounding heart

While anxiety is meant to be a natural part of our defense system in order to help us cope with stressful situations, in some cases anxiety can begin to take over your life. Typically, anxiety is connected with worry about future events. Varying levels of anxiety can range form a vague sense of unease to intense feelings of impending doom and terror.

When anxiety has persisted over a long period of time with periods of anxiety that are highly intense appearing frequently, an anxiety disorder could be present. In such a case, anxiety is commonly present much of the time with no apparent reason. Anxiety may become so uncomfortable that you feel the need to cease participating in many of your everyday activities. This can be dangerous as it holds the potential to eventually cause you to avoid everything altogether.  Overcoming anxiety as early as possible is important to prevent this condition from becoming worse as well as from evolving into other conditions, such as agoraphobia.

The good news is that there are several steps which you can take to learn how to overcome anxiety. There is no doubt the process will take time; it is not an overnight fix. With commitment, time and dedication; however, you can learn how to overcome anxiety.

Deep breathing can be particularly useful when you feel yourself becoming anxious. As you may have noticed, when you begin to feel anxious, your breathing becomes fast and shallow. To combat this symptom try sitting or lying down. Place your hand on your stomach and focus on breathing slowly. As you breathe in, try to draw the air all the way into your diaphragm. You should feel your hand rise as the air comes in. Count to 4 as you breathe in. Now, breathe out to a count of 4 and hold the breath for 4 seconds. Repeat this practice for several minutes until you feel the anxiety begin to seep away.

Cognitive strategies also work well. This type of treatment technique involves repeating affirmations to yourself in order to help alleviate your anxiety. Positive affirmations will also help to improve your self-esteem and confidence. Even simple reminders when you begin to feel anxious can be of tremendous help. Examples might include:

• I know everything will work out
• I can’t please everyone.
• I can handle whatever may happen.

Learning the steps to overcoming anxiety now can help you to live a more fulfilling, enjoyable life