Ways to Cope with Anxiety

First up, look at the resource below!

How familiar are you with the word "anxiety"?

By definition, anxiety means: fear or nervousness about what might happen. For example, you might feel anxious before you have a test because you are worried or nervous about how you might do.

Most everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life - even teachers get anxious about certain things. Knowing that anxiety is a common part of life, it is important to identify good ways to cope (coping means dealing with something that is difficult). There are healthy ways to cope with anxiety and some that are not healthy. One positive healthy way to decrease one's anxiety, or to manage it, is to become a relaxation expert!

We all think we know how to relax. But chilling out in front of the TV or computer isn't true relaxation. What the body really needs is daily practice of a relaxation technique — like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga — that has a physical effect on the mind. For example, deep breathing helps to relax a major nerve that runs from the diaphragm to the brain, sending a message to the entire body to let go and loosen up.

Teens who experiment with alcohol may drink to hide their anxiety about something difficult that’s going on in their lives. But regular drinking is a slippery slope. While alcohol can reduce anxiety temporarily, it can also increase anxiety within just a few hours of consumption. And it can make it even worse the next day. This includes even moderate amounts of alcohol.