Coping With Anxiety During Hard Times

Life is not without its challenges. In today's world, it seems that serious financial and emotional hardships are being felt by all. How can the average person rid themselves of the burden of anxiety when there's cause to worry at every turn?

The best advice is to take life one step at a time. Don't try to solve the entire problem in a moment. Most problems have solutions that can be achieved one step at a time. For example, if a client calls to say that the last project didn't meet expectations quiet the worry by calmly asking for clarification and devising a plan to improve in the future.

Plan for the future. Worrying about tomorrow's bills, medical problems and employment issues won't solve the problems. Focus on devising a plan for achieving the goals. If that's not possible, meet with a friend, clergy member or professional counselor and ask for help. Once the plan is in place, work at implementing that plan for at least one hour every day. For example, if the goal is one new client every week, set aside time for phoning prospects and make it happen.

Taking care of the body is another way to mitigate anxiety. Exercise is a great way to run from problems. Do it at least a little almost every day. If running isn't an option, ride a bike, take a yoga class, or swim. Do something that keeps the body moving and the endorphins will help to manage the stress. Eat wholesome foods, too, in order to remain strong, but don't forget to enjoy comfort foods in moderation. There's nothing like a hearty soup to lift a sagging spirit.

Here are six more simple steps that can help overcome anxiety:
1. Stay close to friends. Resist the urge to isolate during times of anxiety. Reach out to friends and family members who are encouraging and supportive.
2. Be creative. Spend some time every week working on a creative endeavor, for the pure pleasure of it. Write poems, take photos, paint, cook and garden.
3. Help others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, become a big brother or sister to a disadvantaged child or offer after-school tutoring. It's an old maxim, but true: Helping others can make worries less worrisome.
4. Make an "I'm thankful" binder. Write an entry every day.
5. Mail a thank-you-for-being-you note to someone else. Other people, too, feel anxious. Let them know that you appreciate them.
6. Laugh out loud. Laughter releases chemicals that help with stress management. Laugh with friends, children, or solo in front of an entertaining movie.

If the anxiety doesn't lessen or go away, depression could be the cause. Depression is a real medical condition and can be treated with the help of a competent medical professional.