We live in a fast-paced, stress-filled society and most of us will experience anxiety at some time. While some of us may experience anxiety before a specific event such as an interview or giving a speech, for others of us it is more of a general feeling of worry, which can have a detrimental effect on how we manage our day to day life.
Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling of unease, apprehension, worry within the body; it is caused by fear, which triggers our primitive fight or flight response.
Anxiety can be caused by Genetics (family history), Environmental Stress Factors (work issues, relationship issues, financial issues), Substance Abuse or Withdrawal, Brain Chemistry (disrupted hormonal or electrical signals) or Medical Factors (stress from surgical procedures, medication, medical issues such as respiratory or coronary disorders)’
According to the World Health Organisation 7.8% of the UK population suffer from an anxiety disorder. Studies also show that between 30-80% of us have the symptoms of anxiety but haven’t sought medical diagnosis or help. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to other issues such as depression.
Possible Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety
- Restlessness/unease
- Feeling on edge
- Reduced tolerance and increased irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- The feeling of losing one’s mind
- Avoiding situations that may trigger anxiety
- Being unable to think of anything other than what is triggering the anxiety
Possible Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
- Insomnia/sleep issues
- Headaches
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle pain and tension
- Accelerated heart rate
- Ringing in ears
- Nausea/dizziness
- Nail biting
I will work collaboratively with you, using various techniques, to resolve your anxiety and negative emotions, while increasing your self-belief and sense of calm.
Take away Tip
Here’s one of my favourite calming exercises, taken from The Anxiety Journal by Corinne Sweet:
Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed, and make yourself comfortable… close your eyes and breathe deeply in and out… notice where the tension lies in your body… notice, and breathe in and out five times… breathe into those tense places and imagine them melting like soft butter… then open your eyes, have a good stretch, and carry on with your day.