Feeling anxious? It can feel overwhelming to deal and manage emotions. This is very normal, in fact everyone can feel anxious from time to time. Anxiety is actually a beneficial psychological response that is critical for our survival.
I’m sure you’ve heard of the “Fight or Flight” response. Perhaps you are facing and unusual situation; typically a frightening one and you’re body goes into panic mode, frantically trying to determine what to do to eliminate the external threat, causing you to feel anxious. This experience is our body’s alarm system that is activated whenever we feel threatened and which typically results in either fleeing or fighting the threat off to return to safety.
The main brain region involved in the Fight or Flight response is the Hypothalamus. The Hypothalamus, located in the centre lower portion of your brain receives a distress signal from the amygdala (a small brain region associated with managing emotions), to begin producing and releasing hormones such as epinephrine into the bloodstream to give us an “ energy boost” so we are able to find a way to safety quickly.
Some effective strategies in addressing anxiety are:
- Taking A Walk
- Taking deep breaths
- Practice Meditation
- Eat healthy foods
- Avoid Alcohol and limit caffeine intake
- Exercise
- Take A Nap and Rest
Common physical symptoms of anxiety may include, tightness in chest, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, feeling of losing control or being in a constant dread state of mind.
When, these symptoms, become severe and prolonged, it is time to seek a health professional.
Remember that anxiety can last for a moment, but it does not need to last for a lifetime, learn your triggers and work to avoid them. Don’t be ashamed to ask for or seek help, together we can collectively support one another to build a better tomorrow.
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