Getting Some Anxiety And Stress Relief
When stress creeps up on you, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed by your own worries and concerns. Anxiety is often associated with depression, but for some of us it's a way of life. It can be difficult to know when you're ready to fight back against the negative feelings that make everyday tasks seem like such a chore. Thankfully, there are many ways in which you can fight back against anxiety and stress, whether that means meditating or practicing yoga or just taking a long walk outside in good weather. Here are some healthy methods for dealing with anxiety and stress.
First things first, there's no shame in seeking help when you're feeling overwhelmed by life. While there are many therapies available to deal with stress, sometimes all it takes is an appointment with a counselor or therapist to set you on the right track. A professional can help you see things in a different way and learn how to keep your anxiety in check without letting it control your life.
Medication is another great way of coping with anxiety. While the thought of taking prescription medication may not seem appealing, especially if you're not used to using such drugs, there are a number of medications that can provide real relief from stress-related issues. If you're looking for a natural way of dealing with your anxiety, medication may not be the answer, but it can work with other coping skills.
For those looking to reduce their stress levels through physical activity, yoga is an excellent way to turn off the negative and focus on yourself. This type of exercise is about much more than just the poses you make and the breaths you take. The mental benefits of yoga are often overlooked when discussing this practice. Yoga can help you focus on what's important in your life and become more conscious of your internal reactions to stressors.
One of the best ways to combat anxiety and stress is by taking a long walk. Walking is one of the best methods of keeping your body moving without putting too much stress on your joints. A brisk walk during your lunch break can make you feel as if you've accomplished something when you head back to the office, and it clears up any mental cobwebs that may be blocking your everyday thinking processes.
Taking some time for yourself every day may be the best way to relieve anxiety and stress. You don't have to wait for a full weekend or an entire vacation to feel better about yourself. Even if it's just a short amount of free time, set aside something for yourself and allow yourself to enjoy it whenever possible.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and stress, there are many ways in which you can fight back against those negative feelings. Talk to a professional if you don't know where to turn, but there are many other tools that can make it easier to cope with anxiety and stress. Don't put up with your issues any longer than necessary. Take control of your life today and begin to enjoy all that life has to offer.
Post-Stroke [ARTICLE START]
I had a stroke at age 32. I was standing at the sink in my apartment when I saw stars in front of my eyes. The next thing I knew, I was lying on the floor, shaking and unable to move. My husband found me there and called 911. The paramedics took me to the closest hospital without any blood or x-rays, but not before telling my husband that if he had left me alone for another ten minutes, I'd be dead. He never understood what had just happened to me, because he hadn't even been with me at the time. It didn't take long for him to forget about it again. I can relate to that.
I was in a coma for three weeks, during which I had ringing in my ears and couldn't move. I had no appetite, no bladder control, and I knew nothing about anything going on around me. It took all of my energy just to stay alive. The stroke left me with massive deficits at both ends of my body and with severe emotional trauma as well. For a while after the stroke, I was angry at God and wondered why He'd taken away the only thing that made me feel good within myself--my desire to sing professionally. My life became suddenly very "normal," even though it was anything but that before the stroke hit me.
I remember feeling totally helpless, like a little kid again. My husband and I went back to the hospital for physical therapy after a week or so, but I was told that I wouldn't be able to walk again even with intensive therapy. It was very frustrating not being able to do the things I'd done at all before the stroke, especially my favorite activity--singing for people. My limp body quit them and forced me to start all over again with social etiquette and small talk that bored me to tears. After a year of physical therapy, my doctors told us it could take up to two years before I regained the use of my limbs completely.
Conclusion