Any anxiety-reducing methods not mentioned in the book?

[Howlan]

Joseph WK wrote:
> I know some might scoff at this but I find prayer to be very helpful
> whenever I get anxious. It is not a medical process but it calms my nerves.
If you find something that works for you definitely keep it up. That it is all that matters. I also find praying very soothing.

It's so fulfilling to try a remedy in this book and find out that it's practical. Prayer works for me too.

Yes, prayer is a good form of medication and can provide the same benefits as meditation if not more. Plus it helps you remain calm in a stressful situation by giving you hope.

[Howlan]

Nimisha_91 wrote:
> I do this thing where when something bothers me, I write it all down. And I
> read it back to myself. Sometimes when I do this, the problems don't seem
> that big anymore. Its like I've told someone about it and then I tear it
> up!
I love this. This can give one a great perspective on what is bothering you.

Journaling is equally effective, it also gives you confidence to look at where you started and how you've been able to conquer your problems.

Yes, writing down your emotions can be very relieving and can help you understand yourself better. It is basically like seeing in a mirror. Writing down your experiences can also help you get a better perspective of yourself.

[Howlan]

Joseph_ngaruiya wrote:
> Chali wrote:
> > I sometimes sketch especially copying something else. I get so involved
> > concentrating on that I forget all my stress.
> Indeed, since sketching brings you happiness, you can use it as an alternative
> method. Apart from that, it prevents stress by making you involved through improved
> concentration.

Yes, I love to sketch too when I have a bad mood. The concentration involves makes me forget the bad day and develops my focus.

The trick is simple, replacing your stressor with a working remedy or an activity that shifts your focus.

Yes, and the activity must be something that you actually enjoy. At the end of the day if you do not enjoy doing something then it will not be as effective in dealing with your stress.

[Howlan]

Twylla wrote:
> I am surprised that CANNABIDIOL (CBD) or Hemp OIl has not been mentioned.
> I tried Charlotte's Web Hemp Extract oil for a while and it worked well for
> sleeplessness and anxiety, but a small bottle is $100. I slept better
> and my dreams were not as wild.

Yes, massaging oil is pretty useful. One, it gives a good massage, and also it relaxes your scalp and relaxes your nerves and you can concentrate better.

Massage therapy is effective in relaxing the brain and body in general. It also enhances your outlook and mood.

Yes, it helps in relaxing muscles and the oil fragrance can stimulate you brain to help remove stress. Massage therapy is popular and works magnificently.

[Howlan]

Listen to music has really been of great help to me over the years.the way it help me reduce stress and anxiety by replacing every of fear and insecurities with peace is one thing I still can't explain.

Music is very broad, which type of music is ideal for releasing stress and anxiety?

I think calm and soothing music is helpful at times. But leaving that aside, listening to your favorite track can work like a charm regardless of the genre. If listening to rock cheers you up then go for it. It will get you in a good mood.

[Howlan]

Kola+wole wrote:
> Guda LM wrote:
> > Every person is unique and different things and methods appeal to different
> > people. I think it's best to find what makes you happy and what suits you
> > and use it for relief. Personally, nature is my therapy. The more secluded,
> > the better.
>
> Nature is one of the best stress reliever. The beauty of nature is like a balm tithe
> troubled soul.

Meditation seems to help a lot with that, be able to hear a song, or a bird, I mean, only the bird as nothing else goes in your head is just beautiful (anyone relate?). It also improves mindfulness: have you ever talked to someone and it looks like the person is in Mars (or even farther)? The body is in front of you but it just doesn’t feels like.

True, I can relate. For the times I've tried guided meditation, I've found myself connecting to things I never thought I would. The mindfulness aspect is also prevalent in meditation sessions.

Yes, meditation is an important remedy that really can improve concentration and focus. Personally, for me meditation is always accompanied by music as it helps me focus.

[Howlan]

SeasonalBuddy wrote:
> Sometimes I speak to myself or address the person Causing the stress and
> tell them everyrhing i should have said in person. I find it to be very
> steess relieving.

Interesting! have you ever read about Gestalt therapy? It's most what you are describing and works very well for a lot of people.

I haven't read about that type of therapy. I will do my research and see how it compares to the remedies Gustavo gave.

I have heard about it but never tried it. It helps you become more self-aware by focussing on the present rather than the past or present. I do not know what it actually does, but I heard it can be helpful for PTSD.

[Howlan]

Hibashaikh1509 wrote:
> Some anxiety-reducing methods proven are:
> - Face masks at home
> - Reading novels
> - Assembling a puzzle
I also find doing puzzles really effective. Jigsaw, math puzzles, logic, memory, almost anything that change the focus of your mind.

Please expound on how facemasks contribute to reducing anxiety.

I suppose face masks can be helpful to people who have dust allergy or anxiety related to dust allergy. I think for people like them, face masks helps them feel a little bit relieved.

[Suzer6440 xyz]

In the past , I have made a list of things that relax me, things that make my stress level less . I look to that list and am successful to pick out a few wheniknow I need to.

Some of these activities include: putting puzzles together , coloring, taking a walk, reading, taking a bath, brushing my dog, listening to music.

There are many more on my list but these are the ones ghat really relax me

[Howlan]

For me, people watching can be very therapeutic. Sitting in a public place and observing life around me helps me feel better.

I've tried that too, where I go to a park and watch life unfolding every minute. It's in such moment that you realize your problems might be lighter than of some people you've seen. You also find life interesting.

Yes, I can relate to that too. For me, it's basically the fact that life goes on and it does not stop. The feeling of moving forward is imminent and you need to embrace it too. It is truly an enriching experience.

[Howlan]

Animal therapy. Animals are the best listeners, I believe when one is stressed, they always need someone to talk to, one who can listen to them. Get a pet that you love, stay with it for sometimes. Tend to her, feed, wash, and just relax. It will work wonders.

In addition, pets like dogs can help us deal with phobia by visiting places we couldn't visit alone. Their loyal nature also push us to be responsible in tendering to them.

Yes, the endearing bond of trust that develops between man and animal is an essential feature of animal therapy. With helps lower the levels of stress.

[Howlan]

I think gardening is not a bad idea especially during this SIP time. It can let you forget about the things you are stressed and get some exercise. You also feel satisfied when you harvest.

I like to do gardening once in a while. The entire process is engaging, you completely forget your troubles. In regards to a final harvest, the feeling of achievement is enriching. A simple garden in the backyard can also be a source of healthy vegetables.

Yes, the feeling of satisfaction when a flower finally blooms or the feeling of the first fruit that you get from our garden is truly relaxing.

[Howlan]

I've always heard grounding works. You use your five senses and focus individually on each one. I tend to relieve anxiety quickly with this and hardly ever make it through all five.

Isn't it fulfilling to find what triggers to avoid and which methods to use when the stress and anxiety kicks in?

Yes, there are many of these methods and these are reminiscent of the region you belong in. Some are universal like counting numbers but many are traditional like chants or hymns.

[sraby1]

I find coloring in those adult coloring books helps me calm down.

[victoriasimons]

Personally I like animal therapy. Animals are so calming to be around. I know horse therapy can be effective for a lot of people. Alas, I don't have a horse, but I do have a cat.

Petting a cat is so relaxing, especially when you have one curled up and purring in your lap.

I couldn't agree more. I'm surprised that animal therapy wasn't mentioned. I jokingly refer to my cat as my 'Emotional Support Pet' because I couldn't live without her. Her attention is comforting and makes my troubles seem trivial.