Anxiety is very common in our hectic lives. Many men stay busy to try and stop fears and concerns from festering, but these issues don’t go away.
Instead of feeling helpless, know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Follow the five steps listed here, and you can show anxiety the door and kick it in the butt on the way out!
Step 1: Identify anxiety
Anxiety in men can be especially problematic because we are less likely to seek help or even understand and acknowledge the importance of dealing with it. That’s why simply identifying our worries is key: It allows us to question their validity. Right off the bat, make a list of your worries and fears. You might be surprised, in a good way, simply by listing them.
Step 2: Take a few quiet moments for yourself
You don’t have to take seminars or even meditate. It can be as simple as spending a few quiet moments every day — you can do this on your lunch break, while you’re in the shower, or during your drive, or bike ride to work. The key is becoming aware of your thoughts and emotions.
Step 3: Talk it out
Talking through your worries with a friend or family member — or in some cases, your family doctor or a professional counsellor — can be enormously rewarding and helpful. Don’t let pride stand in the way.
Step 4: Engage your mood-boosting endorphins
Exercise burns away stress-inducing chemicals and can produce mood-boosting endorphins. Any exercise will help, but getting into a daily routine that’s at least 20 minutes long will make the most of your efforts.
Step 5: Sleep = happiness
Getting enough Zs is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety. By practising good sleep hygiene, the rest of these steps — and the rest of your life for that matter — will fall into place that much easier.
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Hi my names matthew in the past 2 years I’ve lost my older sister and very solid friend under very tramitix circumstances I understand now there nothing I can do to bring them back and the harder I try the more my anxiety or think anxiety is getting the best of me . I don’t sleep regularly and I’ve never talked to anyone about this I’ve struggled with addiction but within the last 3 weeks have happen to quite all including coffee as i thought they might have been triggers . with it being the holiday and all doctors offices closed I found now where to go and just found they have escalated to the point where I feel it’s not only effecting me but my family aswell I’m staying strong but still my choosing to smoke my pain away but possibly talk them through I really hope this help more than my last method
Matt, our apologies for not replying in a more timely manner. Have you managed to see a doctor for advice now that the holidays are over? That is the first step we would recommend. The second step is finding someone you can discuss your anxiety with – family, friends. Opening up is difficult sometimes, but your comment in this blog is an incredible first step and demonstrates you can do this. And remember you are strong, very strong. Remind yourself of that everyday.
I have feelings of anxiety and fear for no reason at all. I could burst into tears at any time for no reason.
I feel fearful all the time.
I just had my first anxiety attack where I couldn’t breath, like a vice was squeezing my lungs tighter every breath I took. It got so bad my hands, legs and face started to cramp up, my whole body felt like a heavy brick. I was taken to hospital but was able to calm down knowing I had support should I run into serious issues. I have always been skeptical about anxiety attacks as many people I know use as a crutch and don’t deal with it so life can go on for them. I am determined to get this under control and not be consumed with. Although I still feel it hanging on inside waiting for my next issue but I keep breathing deeply making sure I keep control. I am thankful for sites like this for support.