Overcoming anxiety
Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time. Most people can relate to feeling tense, uncertain and, perhaps, fearful at the thought of sitting an exam or attending an interview. Short-term anxiety can be useful. Feeling nervous before an exam can make you feel more alert and improve your performance. However, if the feelings of anxiety overwhelm you and do not decrease then they can impact on your daily life.
Addressing your anxiety may make you feel more anxious at first. Even thinking about anxiety can make it worse. But taking some simple steps can help your anxiety reduce.
Relaxation
Learning relaxation techniques can help you with the mental and physical feelings of fear. It can help just to drop your shoulders and breathe deeply. Or imagine yourself in a relaxing place.
You could also try yoga, meditation, massage or these wellbeing podcasts
Exercise
Taking more exercise can help improve sleep and reduce anxiety and tension. Exercise uses up the adrenalin and other hormones that are produced under stress, allowing muscles to relax. Endorphins released during exercise can also enhance your mood.
Healthy eating
Avoid stimulants such as coffee, nicotine, alcohol and foods with high sugar and fat content. For more information on food and mood see (Food and Mood page)
Assertiveness
Learning how to manage difficult situations can make you feel more confident and, therefore, more relaxed. For more advice on assertiveness see (Being assertive webpage)
Help and Support
If you are worried about your levels of anxiety or feel they are having a significant impact on your ability to manage then you should make an appointment to see your GP.
Longer term anxiety can often have an underlying cause that can be addressed in counselling. You can make an appointment to see a University counsellor by phoning 01332 593000.
If you are worried that your anxiety may affect your studies, make an appointment to see a member of the Student Wellbeing Service, so we can discuss the support we can offer.
You can find more useful information about anxiety and how to overcome it on these websites.
http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
