Have you ever felt intensively and excessively overwhelmed by everyday activities that seem to be normal for others? Have you ever stayed up all night because your heart was racing too fast and you couldn’t stop thinking? Have you ever wondered what it would be like if that feeling took its hands off you and left you alone for the rest of your life? Well, you have most likely experienced anxiety and it is described according to Google as the intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Now, that we got that wonderful definition that summarizes your deepest fears out of the way; here are some ways to cope with your anxiety, and hopefully help overcome it. 

• Breathing: Inhale slowly and deeply from your nose, while keeping your shoulders relaxed, and exhale slowly from your mouth and keep your jaw relaxed. It is recommended to this for several minutes until you get your act together once again.
• Take some time out: It is okay to take some time out when needed, especially in the middle of a panic attack. If you are somewhere public, excuse yourself and ask to go to the bathroom. Once you are there, take some time out, try to relax, cry if necessary.

• Exercise daily: Go for a run, do some yoga, go to gym, practice a sport, do whatever keeps your mind off of triggering thoughts or feelings, especially when needed. 

• Don’t avoid your problems, DEAL with them: When somebody tells you not to think of a monkey jumping on top of a bright yellow car, what is the first thing you think of? That’s right, you probably can’t stop thinking about the darn monkey; and that’s because trying to avoid thinking about something, doesn’t mean that it will go away; it just means that it is possibly going to get stuck in your head until you face the problem.

• It is okay to ask for help: Try to be more open with other people, having someone to talk to and express your feelings to when you’re anxious or in the middle of a breakdown can improve your lifestyle, since you’re getting a more positive outcome.

• Use art as an escape: Whether it is painting, writing, singing or dancing, find a hobby that will calm you down when things get rough and rely on it. 

• Start Journaling: Journaling helps you understand yourself and how you think. Write about your day, how you feel and get those thoughts out of your mind if you’re not comfortable with saying them to somebody else. 
• Avoid a negative mindset: Try to rephrase your thoughts, for example, instead of saying “I can’t do it,” ask yourself,  “What am I missing,” or “I’ll try a different strategy.”

Remember to always acknowledge and question your thoughts, push yourself to be better and remember that you are in control of your mind.