Stuck on the Worry-Go-Round? Five Ways to Exit the Anxiety Ride

You know better than to obsess, but occasionally life’s challenges overwhelm your ability to control worry levels. Increased anxiety takes a definite toll on physical and emotional health.

According to outpatient therapist Betsy Van Brocklin with Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois in Jacksonville, some common consequences of anxiety include increased blood pressure, migraines, decreased sleep and appetite and impaired ability to handle stress and frustration.

Fortunately there are coping strategies that can help slow or even stop the revolving cycle of obsessive worry. Van Bocklin shares five tips:

• Surround yourself with supportive people who are positive influences. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or a listening ear.
• Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or visualization.
• Brainstorm a plan to deal with the issue and break it down into manageable steps.
• Maintain physical health: Eat well-balanced meals, exercise and sleep.
• Use humor to maintain a positive attitude. Journal, listen to music, take a bath.

Once the worry-go-round slows to a stop, you can expect to see noticeable benefits beyond that initial feeling of relief. The physical symptoms will ease, and there should be an increased ability to think clearly and make good decisions.

Think you or someone you care about needs professional help for anxiety? Encourage them to seek professional help by consulting a primary care physician or mental health provider.  An online, confidential self-assessment questionnaire is available to assess your emotional well-being and find out more about anxiety.