Say No To Anxiety!

Find Physical Distraction

While either inviting anxiety in for a while or analyzing anxious feelings critically and realistically can be very effective for some people, others simply need distraction. While doing other things, they may find their anxiety fades into the background or even disappears completely.

Here are some activities you can engage in to find distraction from anxiety:

• Working out! Physical activities like jogging, aerobics, swimming, cycling or even dancing release stress and get the feel-good endorphins flowing. It also works on loosening those tense muscles and leads to better breathing patterns. Unlike, say, binge eating, working out is a physically and emotionally healthy way to find distraction. You get bonus points if you work out in the fresh air, which is also good for your mood.
• Listen to feel-good music. Dance while you're at it.
• Make love to your partner. 
• Go for a massage or a pedicure. Anything that you find relaxing, actually.
• Enjoy an evening out with friends or your partner, even if you think you don't have time.

If your anxiety is work-related, you may well find that time away from your responsibilities refreshes and renews you — so you're once again ready for the challenges ahead, without being weighed down by anxiety.

Consider Therapy

If you can afford it, therapy is a wonderful place where you can let your feelings out in a professional environment. A good therapist, unlike friends or relatives, can listen to your anxious feelings and dilemmas without passing judgment later on. In therapy, you can be open about your darkest feelings and get tips on how to deal with them. Therapy can be a dumping ground for negativity, so you can live the rest of your life more peacefully. 

Don't Think Ahead Too Much

Is the future making you anxious? While it is positive and proactive to plan ahead and influence the factors within your control positively to seek the best outcome possible, you also need to realize that solving all the issues you are facing today is not realistic. It is OK to live in the here and now, giving yourself permission to enjoy the good things about your life, while leaving the issues that are causing you anxiety for another day — a day where you are more likely to make a difference. Yes, you are anxious. Acknowledge that, also acknowledge you are doing the best you can, and then simply live your life.

See Also: Individualized Anxiety-Management: Finding Out What Works For You

Breathe

Because this is so horribly cliche, I've left it for last. If you're a down-to-Earth anti-woo type of person, you may feel resistance towards the idea of practicing mindful breathing techniques. However, deep diaphragmatic breathing physically calms you down. You get more oxygen, slow down your pace, and start to relax. Moreover, taking deep breaths is something you can do almost anywhere, at any time. When you find yourself stuck in a particularly stressful business meeting, for instance, you can definitely focus on your breathing for a while. Try it. Breathe.