Shed the Weight of Anxiety and Manage Stress in the New Year

New Year’s resolutions are frequently discussed this time of the year. A major area of wellness that often gets overlooked is mental health. A healthy mind can positively affect the whole body. Anxiety, a reaction to stress, can become excessive and overwhelming. The result of anxiety going unmanaged can negatively affect all areas of life. Following are a few ways to shed anxiety and manage stress in the New Year.

First, bring awareness to the anxiety and identify the stressors behind it. Anxiety can range from mild to severe and could be related to relationships, work, parenting or a lack of balance in life. When anxiety becomes overwhelming you might find yourself living in and reacting to fear. Once identified, you can begin developing coping strategies.

Another area that can often bring stress and cause anxiety is lack of organization. Compartmentalize your tasks for effective goal setting by separating the areas of your life such as; home/house, family, work or personal. Seek effective methods to further prioritize your tasks, which will give you more control over your accomplishments and create awareness surrounding where the majority of your time is spent.

Lastly, a major area that promotes mental health is finding balance. While this sounds simple enough it can be extremely challenging. No matter how busy you are, a crucial part of mental health and clarity is finding joy in each day. It could be a cup of coffee early in the morning when the house is quiet, a walk on the beach, exercise, reading a book or favorite magazine. This activity can change daily, and take as little or as much time as allowed.

It is important to remember that individual needs, planning and practice are vital elements of success. Some people might be able to implement strategies independently while others need assistance for long-term success. Reaching out for help can be a powerful tool in self-awareness and development. I, along with the other mental health counselors at Pamper Your Mind, LLC would be happy to talk with you about how therapy could be a proactive tool in your mental wellness.

Written By: Emily E. Tonn, RMHCI