Anxiety

How anxiety can affect you:

• Frequent feelings of impending doom
• Difficulty concentrating
• Panic attacks
• Depression associated with social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities you once loved, feelings of guilt or hopelessness
• Headaches and irritability
• Pounding heartbeat
• Breathing problems like rapid, shallow breathing leading to lightheadedness
• Upset stomach
• Extreme fatigue
• Increase in blood pressure
• Muscle aches and other pains

Ways to reduce anxiety:

• Take a time-out. Listen to music, practice yoga, go on a walk, get a massage, practice deep breathing techniques. Stepping back from a problem may help you clear your mind.
• Eat well. Try to eat regular and balanced meals throughout the day. Eating unprocessed foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fresh fruit) is the foundation for a healthy body and healthy mind.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine. These may trigger or aggravate anxiety and trigger a panic attack.
• Get enough sleep. When you are stressed, your body needs additional and consistent sleep and rest.
• Exercise daily. This will help you ease stress and helps maintain overall fitness.
• Do your best. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.
• Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective.
• Welcome humor. A good laugh increases your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
• Talk to someone. Tell your Athletic Trainer, counselor, family, and/or friends when you’re feeling overwhelmed and let them know how they can help you.

For more information: https://adaa.org/tips