It is thought that when you breathe deeply and quickly it reduces your energy levels and lowers your resistance to disease and infections. Also, mentally it can lead to a nervous state of mind.
Biologically, the brain needs the correct levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide to function at its optimum. The muscles need the correct level for their vitality. And the digestive system needs it process the food we eat and just as importantly to get rid of the waste.
The way we breathe is a learned habit that becomes automatic. Most people do not know how to breathe properly which can result in an overall decline in health.
When we alter our breathing we instantly change how we feel mentally, physically and emotionally!
Being able to take control of your breathing, even temporarily means that you are in control of your emotional and physical states. As you practice you become more skilled and as a result more confident in your ability to manage anxiety. Unwelcome moods can become temporary blips as you take control of your state.
Of course, changing your breathing habits must go hand in hand with a change in the way you think to ensure that the control is always there, otherwise those moments of anxiety may keep returning.
If you would like to know more about breathing check here!
If I thought I was suffering from stress, the question that I would ask myself is ‘How do I know that I am stressed enough to require anxiety treatment?’ This is the key to Coping with Anxiety. Anxiety can be split into 5 forms, each with its own causes and subsequent symptoms:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder GAD – This is the most common form of anxiety and manifests itself in what may be regarded as trivial signs such as being irritable or being worried most of the time – GAD is normally triggered by concerns over finances, health, family safety, etc.
Social Anxiety/Phobia Disorder – This is very common– it is the fear of negative evaluation (in other words rejection), a fear that you will do something embarrassing or humiliating where someone will see you.
Panic Disorder – Panic attacks ‘come out of the blue’ and the first time usually during high stress. Subsequently, the fear of getting a panic attack again may trigger further attacks – a vicious cycle.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – This can be triggered by any of a number of high stress events (sexual abuse, rape, war, natural disaster) and manifest in nightmares, flashbacks and sensory reminders that trigger the same fears.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – This manifests as intrusive, repetitive and unwanted thoughts or impulses – the most common of these is repetitive washing or checking.
Generally physical symptoms lead people to Doctors for a check-up, and often symptoms may be down to a physical ailment. In all cases it is advisable to see a Doctor. Knowing if you have an anxiety disorder is the key to coping with anxiety.
Anxiety (or stress) is something that all of us need to cope with at some point in our lives. More often than not, we are able to get through these episodes without much fuss. But, for some us, often when a number of stress events coincide, the anxiety prevents us from maintaining and living happy lives. For those, it is often recommended to seek out and get an anxiety treatment.
Anxiety will manifest in many different ways and it is extremely important that we are self-aware and can recognise these: symptoms can range from the innocuous, such as worries that constantly occupy the mind, to the more serious such as palpitations and panic attacks. Often anxiety is accompanied by a significant rise in blood pressure which can, if left untreated, be life threatening. All forms of anxiety are can treated if not cured. If you feel you may be suffering from stress, please tell someone, preferably your Doctor and find an anxiety treatment that suits you.
