Managing Anxiety

Managing Anxiety isn't always easy, but here's a few tips:

• Incorporating Mindfulness Exercises are paramount in your mental health routine, as it allows you to be present in the current moment. Additionally, it helps you become aware of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
• Getting Adequate Rest is also essential for your mental and physical health. Creating a sleep routine can be helpful for those who struggle with getting rest. This can include setting a bed time, turning off your electronic devices or putting your phone on "Do Not Disturb," and playing soothing music with the lights off or dimmed. (I personally play Anita Baker's playlist at night). Create a routine that works for you.
• Limit your Caffeine Intake. This may be a challenge for coffee drinkers. However, Caffeine can trigger panic attacks, and can also increase your anxiety. 
• Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle is good for your mental and physical health. Eating well-balanced meals and staying active in the gym or at home, helps improve your mood, and reduce anxiety and depression.
• Be Kind to Yourself! It is important to not obsess over our problems, because worrying doesn't make our problems go away. Speak positive affirmations to yourself to increase your self-esteem, improve your mood, and control negative emotions. Remember: Being kind to yourself takes practice :)
• Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help from a mental health professional if your anxiety becomes unmanageable. Mental health professionals are trained to offer services that'll help improve your mental well-being.

SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free and confidential treatment referral service that operates 24/7, 365 days/year: 1-800-662-HELP(4357) 

NY Residents: NYC WELL is a free, confidential 24/7 hotline that provides short-term mental health counseling and referrals to NYC residents. 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or Text WELL to 65173.

Emergencies: Call 911