I was talking to a friend the other day and he suddenly asked “why can’t you relax?” I was taken aback. Even when I’m not saying anything, it seems that my anxiety disorder is showing itself through my actions. I wondered if it bothered my friend that I seemed tense, but before I started worrying about that, too, I just reminded myself that he is my friend so he can tell.
What I did was I took a deep breath and laughed as I exhaled. I admitted that while we’re talking about mundane things, I was worrying about anything and nothing, as I always do. I should just relax because there’s nothing threatening about having a nice chat with a long time friend over sandwiches. As soon as I thought of that, I felt the tension ease all over my body.
Body language gives away what you’re feeling. If your mind isn’t relaxed, no amount of pretending will hide the anxiety in your demeanor for long. Anxiety makes you seem tense, even when you should be relaxing. Most of the time, you don’t even know you’re tensing up. It’s no surprise that panic attacks happen to anxiety sufferers at any time. They can’t relax anywhere, and this kind of tension translates to physical problems like chest pains and blurring vission.
So… relax. It’s the best way to calm your anxiety. Here are some tips on how to relax.
Visualize
One way to stop being too reactive is to take a moment and visualize a scene that relaxes you. If you’ve seen the Aegean sea in all its splendour and you cannot forget the sight, use that. If you could stare at the cloudless night sky for hours just looking at the stars, use that. It’s just for a second or two but it does the trick. Of course, your regular breathing exercises should also be a priority while you’re visualizing.
Breathing Exercises
One of the signs that you’re tense is that you’re not breathing right. Sometimes, you can’t help it. So, you have to force it. Breathing exercises are described in detail in several self help anti-anxiety books and CDs like Linden. Do the exercises and let your body memorize the feeling of being totally comfortable just letting air in and out of your body.
Have Clean Fun
Looking for things you love to do can be difficult if you’re stressed. Stop thinking that every move you make could cost you. Your mental health and disposition should also be one of your top priorities, especially if you already know you have anxiety disorder. If you smile a lot, and forget about your worries regularly, you can build up a lot of resistance against anxiety attacks. In fact, you will find out that doing something fun can relax you like no other activity can.
