Top 8 Tips for Managing Anxiety

For so many years, I learned to accept the knot in my stomach that came with anxiety.

Of course, I never thought that I had a problem. I just accepted that "short of breath" feeling that came with my mile-long to-do list and bombarding my mind with the constant "what if" questions.

Thoughts raced through my head such as, Oh boy, I wish I hadn't said that to waking up in the middle of the night thinking, Did I remember to send my boss an email?

All of these are symptoms of anxiety. And as women try to do more, be more, earn more and give more -- anxiety seems unavoidable.

The irony is that only when we're feeling calm, happy and grounded can we be truly productive without diminishing our quality of life.

And I want that for you -- to be the peaceful and alive creator of your own life.

It's a process, but we can only do this through conscious awareness and a solid practice of self-love.

Here are my top eight tips for managing anxiety:

1. Sleep

Seems too simple, right? But honestly you cannot underestimate the benefits and how it can make you feel calmer and generally more in control of your life.

2. Daily Exercise

Get your body moving! Yoga is powerful at taming anxiety mentally and physically, but any exercise that feels fun for you is A-OK.

3. Meditate

Like yoga, meditation is brilliant at detaching from anxious trains of thought. Just sitting still and remembering that in the present moment there is nothing to fear is key.

4. Acceptance

Accepting a situation (and yourself) can be enormously liberating. It is also giving you the best chance of healing.

5. Drop the coffee

Stimulants are one of the biggest no-nos for those who suffer from anxiety. Try to reduce all caffeine from your daily diet until you can get a feel for what life is like without it.

6. "This too shall pass"

Saying this phrase helps me a lot. A bout of anxiety does not last for long. Have the presence of mind to recognize anxiety for what it is when it's happening and know that "this too shall pass."

7. Talk to others

Talking it out with someone, either a coach or someone who understands what you are going through is so important. Know that you are not alone or have to do it all by yourself. It's OK to ask for help.

8. Connect to yourself

Above all, be really kind and patient with yourself. Frustration as well as pushing yourself are your worst enemies and may bring on old feelings of anxiety. Treat yourself as you would someone you love. Compassion for yourself is the hardest of all, but the most deserved of all.

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