Anxiety

It is common for someone to feel some social anxiety before going into a new situation. Whether it is the first day of a new job, going to a social event, or meeting someone new, most people experience butterflies in their stomachs or a case of jitters. Even those who appear the most confident and in control can be nervous. Fans of Ted Lasso got the chance to see how Rebecca, the owner of the soccer team Ted coaches in England, deals with her nerves. She was helping an employee find the nerve to ask for a window table at a local restaurant. It was something seemingly small, yet for the employee took much courage. The employee commented that it was easy for Rebecca to be assertive since she commanded whatever room she was in. Rebecca laughed. She was often the only woman in a room full of men, she explained. To not be overlooked and brushed off, she had a secret trick. Rebecca demonstrated her trick, which was getting as big as possible. She stood in front of the mirror and raised herself to be as big as possible while silently roaring to herself. It is a reminder to take up space, not to shy away, and that she belongs as much as anyone else. Tricks like Rebecca’s might work for some, but what if jitters go much deeper? What if any new situation, or even a gathering of friends, is enough to send someone into a panic? It is easy for the signs of social anxiety to be overlooked or minimized. Most people are afraid of public speaking. But for some, even the idea of speaking can lead to fears of saying the wrong thing, doing something embarrassing, or committing some truly horrible faux pas! It is [...]

It’s normal to be a bit apprehensive and on edge in certain circumstances. Our bodies are wired to handle stressful and potentially dangerous situations by activating our fight-or-flight response. This response not only helps prepare us to act in situations of danger, but it can help in everyday life, too. Feeling a little anxious before a major presentation, job interview, or when a project is due can help you to focus and push through fatigue and other distractions. This is a good thing. However, like all things, when you get too much anxiety that can end up being a distraction, which can derail your focus. Anxiety can cause health problems with your immune system, cardiovascular health, and with your digestion too, to name a few. It’s important to effectively manage your anxiety so that it works for you rather than against you. Tips for how to manage anxiety well Like most things in life, getting a grip on anxiety requires using a mix of approaches to tackle the problem. Some effective ways to manage anxiety well include the following: Understand how anxiety works. To manage anxiety, it’s helpful to understand how it works. When you feel anxious, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid, your heart rate quickens and blood flow is concentrated toward your brain and your muscles, which is where you need it to face whatever challenge is before you. Your body responds physically to anxiety, and this may also include chest pain, indigestion, and fatigue. When anxiety gets intense, it may even leave you feeling nauseous and lightheaded. Knowing these symptoms of anxiety will help you understand what your body is doing and the sensations you may be experiencing. Also, it puts you in a good position when you’re trying to calm yourself, as you can target [...]