How to calm your overanxious mind

  • By Barton Goldsmith Tribune News Service
  • Friday, June 10, 2016 4:11pm
  • Life

We all have to deal with anxiety at some point or another in our lives. Unfortunately, some folks have to deal with it on a daily basis, and that can make life much less enjoyable. Here are several techniques that have been proven to lower anxiety. Please give them a try.

Use your thinking skills. If you are worried about something, think your way through the most likely outcomes — what is probably going to happen. One exercise that many therapists use is to have you think of the worst possible outcome, then the best possible outcome, and, lastly, the most likely outcome. It can really help you gain the proper perspective.

Don’t dwell on the worst-case scenario. This is where many people get stuck, and anxious thoughts keep going around and around in their minds. If you catch yourself doing this, manually move your mind to other things, like the exercise above. Sometimes distractions like television will work, but you may need something more involving to really help displace your worries, so look for things to do that involve more than sitting on the sofa. Playing music or writing can be helpful.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Exercise. A good workout or a long walk can help your body and brain balance each other and allow you to gain some perspective on where you are. By exercising your body, you are also cleansing your mind. Just knowing that you are taking positive steps for both body and mind will help to get rid of uncomfortable feelings.

Meditate. You don’t have to take a class. Just sit quietly and focus on your breathing until your body has calmed down and your thoughts are no longer racing. I call this first-aid meditation because it should be the first thing you try when you start to get anxious. If you can nip anxiety in the bud, you may not need anything else. That being said, if you deal with anxiety on a regular basis, meditation needs to be a part of your routine.

Take medication only if necessary, and don’t abuse it. Many people take the antianxiety medications known as benzodiazepines, and there are others. Some can be addicting, but if needed, they can be a godsend. You will need to see a psychiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and prescription.

Like all drugs, antianxiety medications have side effects, so be sure to check with your doctor and report any unusual symptoms.

Know that you have internal strength, and use it. Even if you take medication, the chances are that you will be dealing with anxiety from time to time, and often you can use positive self-talk to get past the point of fear and allow you to function more normally. Your mind is powerful, so use it to help you find some peace. It will help you if you let it.

Follow your passin. Your work may be the best thing for you. Spend time doing whatever involves your entire being. Even if you don’t know the source of your anxiety, which happens often, this kind of involvement will keep your head in the right place.

These tips will help, but if you are having symptoms on a daily basis and they have lasted for more than two weeks, please see a medical doctor.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.