Anxiety disorders affect approximately 18% of the population. Apart from diagnosed anxiety disorders, anxiety symptoms affect most, if not all, of us from time to time.  Anxiety isn’t all bad. The ability to look ahead and avoid negative consequences is very helpful and keeps us safe. However, worry is not always helpful and sometimes just causes emotional discomfort. Many situations can cause an increase in anxiety (e.g., the recent pandemic experience and flying on airplanes). Anxiety can affect our functioning and keep us out of the present. In this episode, we discuss the physical and cognitive symptoms of anxiety and review strategies that can be helpful in managing anxiety. 

In this episode we discuss:

• The function of anxiety – when it works for us and when it works against us
• How anxiety manifests, including both physical and cognitive symptoms
• Strategies to help manage and alleviate anxiety

Do try this at home:

• Interrupt the cycle of anxious rumination. When you find yourself getting caught on a thought train, exit by coming into your body and the present moment.
• Practice. Incorporate things that are relaxing into your daily schedule, so they are easily accessible when you experience an increase in anxiety. 
• Keep track. Take note where you are on the anxiety spectrum and track what is helpful to you and what gets in your way.