4 Ways To Overcome Anxiety

I become anxious when I have to deliver a speech, meeting with new people, and sometimes seeing a new doctor and talking about my past hurt and trauma. I am scared I might be misunderstood at times by the doctor, and sometimes when my anxiety is at its peak, I may not be understood in the right ways. The fear is so great. But I found some ways to overcoming my anxiety:

1) Taking deep breaths

It may sound simple, but breathing is really easy to do. Slowing down your breathing will help calm the mind and tackle those anxious thoughts.

2) Using Opposite Action (DBT skill)

This one is a powerful skill that I use often - I learnt from DBT. When I am anxious, instead of focusing on the anxiety, and being stuck in ‘that feeling’ - I do something to counteract it - for example, washing the dishes, turning on loud music or even singing out a loud where no one is listening or watching.

3) Doing journalling and positive affirmations

This one is also a good one too. Writing down what I am grateful for each day as I wake up in the morning. And as well as saying it out aloud in person will be even more effective. If you find that ‘too weird’, even telling yourself quietly why and what you’re grateful for as well would work too.

4) Listen to calming music

This one was mentioned before, but I think it’s a big one to soothe my anxiety. I listen to all kinds of music, and without music I think I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Photo by The Bo Studio