5 ways to cope with Anxiety

Everyone feels anxious at times. Anxiety can surface when u face a challenge ,when the pressure's on to do well, or when you've got a worry on your mind.

Anxiety turns on your body's stress response ( also called fight or flight). This instant surge of stress hormones is a survival response. It prepares you to react quickly and protect yourself if you need to. But many people feel anxious about taking tests, meeting new people or speaking in class. If you feel anxious in these situations then you are not alone.

Instead of avoiding things that prompt anxiety here are five things that can help you through anxious moments :

1. Start with a growth mindset: Some people have a fixed mindset. They might think, "This is how i am. I'm too anxious to speak in class. So don't raise my hand". With a fixed mindset people don't think things can change.But brain science has shown that you can teach your brain new ways to respond. People with a growth mindset can reduce anxiety with effort and patience.

2. Notice how anxiety affects your body: The feelings u feel when you're in a anxious situation are your body's stress response.They can be uncomfortable .Next time you feel them try to notice them without getting upset. They'll be there but try to keep the feelings in the background.

3. Breath: When you feel anxious, take slow breaths so that it can slow the release of stress hormones.

4. Talk yourself to it: When you're anxious, you might tell yourself things like, I can't do this" or " What if I mess up".Instead, plan to tell yourself something that could help you face the moment with a bit of courage like, "I can do this!" or "Its OK to feel anxious, i can do this way"

5. Face the situation: Don't wait for anxiety to go away. You might think that you'll put off speaking in class or talking to that new person until you no longer feel anxious about it. But it doesn't work that way. It's facing the anxiety that helps you lower it.