How to Cope with Anxiety
You’re right, the internet is flooded with ways to deal with anxiety.
Our list of suggestions is not much different. Why? Because those
things work. Give them a chance!
1. Practice mindfulness:
- According to a recent study, practicing mindfulness is as effective as medication, except that it’s often better tolerated.
- Meditation is the most popular and some of the best meditation apps are Headspace, Calm, and Serenity.
But mindfulness can be practiced in other ways too:
- Contemplating the surroundings.
- Go for a walk and pay attention to everything around: what you see (buildings, sky, people), what sounds you hear (how fast or slow you’re breathing, your feet hitting the pavement or grass, cars passing by), what you feel (the warmth of the sun, the wind).
- Body scan.
- Sitting or lying down, start from your head and pay attention to any sensations in your body. Maybe some buzzing, tingling, your hands feel cold or your feet feel warm, your back itches.
2. Stay active
- Go for a walk–it’s easy, cheap, and you can do that mindfulness exercise described above!
- Check the NMT Bike Club: apart from lending and fixing bikes, the club organizes bike tours. Oh, and they build trails, too! Check their website here for more information.
- Not sure which sports to try? Check out the list of NMT Sports Clubs. This can be the beginning of a beautiful (and healthy) friendship!
- Hit the gym, climb the bouldering wall, or take a dip at NMT Recreation and Wellness Center. The gym is free for full-time students with a valid Tech ID!
3. Contact the Counseling Services at NMT.
Ask for help by filling out the Request for Services Form and the Counseling Center staff will contact you in 1-2 business days.
Remember, you're not alone!