Shola: (Breathing rapidly and sweating profusely) Oh God! I'm so worried about tomorrow's presentation Tola.

Tola: Why is that? Aren't you prepared for it?

Shola: I'm prepared but I'm worried because there will be external judges tomorrow and it's making me restless.

Tola: Ohhh, I get you now. That's anxiety. It's normal to feel that way.

Shola: Are you sure? Cos I'm really restless and scared.

Tola: Yes, I'm sure. Just take a deep breath, inhale and exhale before the presentation and also know in your heart that you can do it and you will be fine!

Shola: Okay Tola. I will do just that! Thank you.

Tola: Good. Bye for now. I have a class.

Shola: Bye Shola! See you later.

Dear reader, have you at one time in your life have this kind of feeling before? This intense feeling of worry and fear about what's to come? If so, that is what we refer to as "Anxiety". Anxiety is an unavoidable part of human life. Anxiety is normal in some stressful situations such as taking a test, taking an interview, public speaking, etc.  However, whenever it comes, there's nothing to worry about because there are ways to calm anxiety.

Generally, to understand what anxiety means is to know its symptoms. Here are some symptoms:

  • Restlessness
  • Uncontrollable feelings of worry and fear
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Sweating
  • Having an increased heart rate
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Increased irritability and many more...

    However, there's something we call "Anxiety disorder". This occurs when the aforementioned symptoms are beyond the regular, occur repeatedly, and interfere with your daily activities and your ability to function well. Dear reader, if you feel this way, it's advisable to visit a doctor or therapist as soon as possible.

   One frequently asked question about anxiety is: Can anxiety be stopped? The answer is "NO". Anxiety can't be stopped totally but it can be managed or calmed. Want to know how to calm or manage your anxiety? Here are some tips to manage anxiety:

  1. Eat well-balanced meals: do not skip meals. Eat healthily and eat a balanced diet.
  2. Exercise daily: Exercise helps you feel refreshed and also maintains your health and glow.
  3. Take deep breaths: inhale and exhale slowly. It helps to calm the nerves.
  4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine when excess can aggravate or trigger your anxiety more. Put a limit to it!
  5. Talk to someone: You can always reach out to friends and family about how you are feeling. Let them know how they can help you. You can also visit a therapist or a doctor for professional help.
  6. Get enough sleep: The body needs additional sleep and rest especially when stressed.
  7. Maintain a positive attitude: Always make an effort to stay positive. Replace those negative thoughts with positive ones.

   Finally, to promote calmness and reduce your stress level, I would advise you to follow the tips mentioned above. However, don't forget to see a doctor or a therapist if the feeling becomes persistent or severe.

Dear readers, I hope you find this insightful. Let me know what you think in the comment section!

Thank you for reading. Don't forget to like, comment, share and give feedback ❤️.