5 Practical Tips for Managing Anxiety

Anxiety can really mess with your headn

Anxiety is a (apparently) common experience, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Here are five practical tips that I’ve found helpful in managing my own anxiety, and hopefully, they will work for you too:

1. Harness the Power of Your Breath

The way we breathe can significantly impact our anxiety levels. A simple yet effective technique is to focus on your exhalation, making it longer than your inhalation. Additionally, breathing through your nose can promote a sense of calm. This technique was inspired by Patrick McKeown.

Breathing through your nose can promote a sense of calm.

Furthermore, I highly recommend the following exercise: When walking — Exhale completely, then hold your nose closed, continue walking, for as long as is comfortable. Once you need to breathe, release your nose and slowly inhale through it.

2. Tame the Triggers: Caffeine and Sugar

For many, including myself, caffeine and sugar can exacerbate anxiety. I’ve noticed a direct correlation between increased coffee consumption and heightened anxiety.

Specifically, I find that my breathing becomes shallower, and my thoughts race, almost becoming manic. Reducing or even eliminating caffeine from your diet…