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

Stress can be a normal part of life but anxiety stress symptoms can become so severe they interfere with your ability to live a normal life. In normal quantities, stress can help to keep us on our toes. It helps us to meet deadlines and gives us the rush of adrenaline necessary to deal with a crisis. The problem arises when we begin to develop the symptoms of anxiety and stress frequently. Over time, chronic stress symptoms can result in a multitude of health issues. Therefore, it is important to learn how to stop these symptoms and develop coping strategies.

Some anxiety stress symptoms include:

• Lethargy-a lack of energy; always feeling tired
• Dizziness and poor balance; feeling unstable on your feet
• Poor concentration; difficulty making decisions
• Poor perceptions; trouble reading and visual or auditory distortions
• Severe mood swings
• Poor memory
• Headaches

When these symptoms are not addressed, other health conditions can develop. In some situations the individual experiencing the symptoms may even begin to avoid certain situations in an effort to avoid the symptoms. This type of avoidance behavior is one of the first steps toward more serious disorders including agoraphobia.

It is possible to begin to reduce anxiety stress symptoms by focusing on maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Some things you can do to manage stress and anxiety include:

Exercising regularly-This has proven to be very effective at treating anxiety as well as stress. Excellent activities include yoga and aerobic; both of which are calming.

Eating a healthy diet-Be sure you are eating a healthy and well balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables.

Get enough sleep-When you do not get enough sleep, this can make anxiety even worse. Make sure you are on a regular sleep routine. Go to bed at the same time each night and make an effort to get up at the same time each day. Be sure to get eight hours of sleep to combat stress and anxiety.

Meditate-Several types of meditation can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress.

Relaxation Techniques-Techniques such as deep breathing and visualization have both proven to be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress.

Eliminating caffeine-studies have shown that caffeine only works to exacerbate anxiety and stress. Stop drinking or at least cut back on caffeinate beverages such as tea, coffee and soda. Excess caffeine can lead to insomnia and has even been known to provoke panic attacks.

Avoid alcohol and drugs-avoid the temptation to use such substances as a way of coping with anxiety and stress. Such substances only make these problems worse and will eventually develop further problems.

Develop a support network-make a strong effort to develop a network of people who support you emotionally. Individuals who have support from family and friends are less vulnerable to stress and anxiety.

By taking the time to follow the healthy guidelines above, you can begin to get your life back and recover from anxiety stress symptoms.