Managing Anxiety and Stress
Stress and anxiety are normal parts of being human, but they can easily feel overwhelming when life piles up. Whether you are facing a busy week at work or dealing with racing thoughts, having a toolkit of coping strategies can make a big difference.
What is Anxiety Trying to Tell Us?
Anxiety often shows up as physical tension, a fast heartbeat, or a mind that won’t turn off. Instead of fighting every anxious thought, it helps to pause and recognize that your body might just be signaling that you need rest or boundaries.
Daily Strategies
- Practice Grounding: Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste to bring your mind back to the present moment.
- Move Your Body: A short walk, stretch, or light exercise helps burn off excess nervous energy.
- Limit News and Screen Time: Constantly checking updates can fuel worry, so set deliberate limits on your media consumption.
- Establish a Routine: Predictable daily rhythms help break up an overwhelming day into smaller, manageable pieces.
When to Seek Support
Self-care tools are helpful, but you do not have to carry everything on your own. Feelings are natural and always valid. If you do not have a friend or relative that you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with, the Anxiety & Stress Center have counselors in the Orland and Homewood locations available to help you express your feelings and develop coping strategies to deal with your stress. Your reaction to stress is something only you can experience and understand, and we are available to assist you.
Submitted by Sheva Franklin, L.C.S.W.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker