Most people would agree that some level of anxiety is a common response to any stressful event. The frequent or unexplained experience of anxiety however can be bewildering and debilitating, making it difficult to function like we used to, or want to. It’s important to know that there are some simple and effective ways to manage the symptoms of anxiety and feel better about your relationships, your performance and your daily life.
We all live with fluctuating levels of stress; it’s just a part of modern life. However, with so many competing pressures in our life it can be difficult to manage our stress well, but by doing so we ensure we stay motivated and on top of our responsibilities and demands.
Unmanaged stress can lead to feelings of irritability, forgetfulness and physical discomfort from a constant state of tension. Unmanaged stress tends to also make sleep and relaxation harder to achieve and maintain, leaving many of us vulnerable to misusing substances like alcohol to help us wind down.
Some of the more common symptoms of anxiety and stress are:
- Agitation or restlessness
- Burn out or exhaustion
- Continual worrying
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or light headedness
- Dry mouth
- Frequent confusion
- Impatience
- Nervous energy
- Obsessive thoughts
- Panic attacks
- Problems with concentration and memory
- Racing heart or rapid, shallow breathing
- Scared for no apparent reason
- Sleep problems