10 Anxiety Hacks To Manage Attacks

Having anxiety is both physically and mentally exhausting. Dealing with this issue gets lonely most of the time as not all people could understand what you’re going through.

While there is no way to make your anxiety disappear entirely, there are ways that you could do to make it a little more bearable. Here are ten anxiety hacks that therapists swear by.

1. Put your anxiety on ice

Sheri Heller, a New York City-based psychotherapist, suggests plunging your hands into ice water or splashing some on your face could literally douse your stress away.

She said:

“Sensorial stimulation with cold water can break through dissociative feelings that often accompany anxiety and offer immediate relief from heightened cortisol levels.”

2. Clench your fists

3. Let the tears flow

Crying can be therapeutic. If you feel like you’re going to burst into tears, then cry it all out.

4. Repeat a calming phrase

Carol Howe, a spiritual psychotherapist in Orlando, Florida, explained:

“Breathe deeply at least three times, in through your nose and out through your mouth … Assure yourself with this language: ‘I am safe, and I am loved.’”

5. Allow yourself to feel anxious

Sometimes the more you fight it, the worse it gets. So it’s better to deal with it right then and there than bottle it up, and you wouldn’t know how to handle it anymore.

6. Shut down your social media apps for a bit

It is worth noting, however, that the internet is not all awful. You could, for example, find online support groups that could make you feel less lonely in your journey.

7. Take stock of your surroundings

Julia Colangelo, a licensed clinical social worker from New York City, shared:

“Count different colors, numbers or items in a room. If you’re feeling panicked, this can be a way to ground yourself and manage distress and anxiety while also not checking out.”

8. Jot down your feelings

9. Face what’s causing your anxiety in the first place

It’s very important to know the root of what you’re feeling.

10. Seek help from a professional

Don’t be ashamed or scared to solicit assistance.