According to a study published by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from anxiety attacks. That is 18.1 percent of the population.
Each day, we are faced with hurdles and problems that take a toll on us. While some people are great at managing stress, others are not. There comes a time when we’re ready to give up. We’re so caught up in the stress in our lives that our mind becomes exhausted.
But dealing with inner turmoil and stress doesn’t have to be difficult. While it’s exhausting being at war with ourselves, remember that there is a solution to every problem; we just have to look for it.
Whenever you feel unsure, remember this; you have the power to overcome the challenges that you’re facing right now. It’s understandable that it’s tough because when we’re going through a difficult time, the hardest part is dealing with pent up emotions. Some of these are emotions we’ve never felt before, and every day is a roller coaster ride.
Different people feel different things and deal with situations in their own way. Some people tend to sleep when they are stressed out, some resort to eating more, and others write down their feelings.
It’s important to find what works for you. While there isn’t one solution, there are several ways to deal with inner turmoil. Here are a few things you can do:
Take a Deep Breath
Often times we’re so caught up in our emotions that we forget to breathe. It’s important to practice breathing frequently.
Even if it doesn’t take the stress away completely, it reduces the burden significantly.
Take a long walk early in the morning in a park. Sit down on a bench and practice breathing. When there are barely people around us and the weather is beautiful, it gives us time to appreciate our surroundings.
Pat Yourself on the Shoulder
After a long day of work, pat yourself on the shoulder and tell yourself you’ve done a good job. Even if you struggled throughout the day, it’s important to remember that you held on and tried.
This will remind you that even on tough days, you’ve done your best.
Make a List of Things You Like About Yourself
It’s understandable that this is a difficult task but that’s why it’s important that you do it. Keep a journal that lists at least 5 things you’ve accomplished and like about yourself.
Write in the journal every week and browse through the list whenever you feel upset. It will remind you that you are a talented individual with your own unique set of abilities. Also, note how you react to certain events, and try relating those reactions to patterns in your personality.
Go Easy on Yourself
Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that the successful people we encounter were once where you were. Without any mistakes, there’s no room for learning!
Therefore, remember to go easy on yourself. It’s normal to mess up. What’s important is that you learn from your mistakes.
Last, but not least, it’s important to consider who you have to talk to and consider whether you need objective help from a professional. Having someone to talk to can help make a difference. It helps take the burden off our shoulders and an outside opinion can help us see things in a different perspective
I’m David Myers, a Psychotherapist in Birmingham, Alabama. Feel free to visit my website for further details or call (205) 251-8808 for an appointment