3.6
What You Can Do

There are things that you can do to care for yourself while dealing with stress and anxiety. Use these tips in addition to whatever treatment your health professional advises.

Press each tip to learn more about how you can reduce stress.

Exercise is good for easing anxiety and tension. After all, it is the "flight or fight" brain chemicals that create the feelings of anxiety. Exercising vigorously is a way of fighting or fleeing - while making your body stronger!

Distract yourself from anxious thoughts by doing something enjoyable or absorbing that requires focus.

Try not to isolate yourself; let others help you. Confide in a trusted friend or relative.

While it can be tempting to use substances to dull anxiety, this will not reduce your anxiety in the long run. The problems brought on by drinking too much alcohol or using drugs can create more problems - and more anxiety - over time.

Keep setting goals for yourself. Reaching even a small goal can give you a boost while you are coping with anxiety.

As you begin to respond to treatment, positive thoughts will replace anxious and fearful ones. Do not expect to suddenly "snap out" of feeling anxious. With time, and the practice of good self-care, you will begin to feel better.