How to Manage Anxiety, Beyond Exercise and Meditation
Therapists Share 18 Unique Ways of Managing Anxiety, Beyond Exercise and Meditation

There are a lot of ways to manage anxiety, but it's true that some get recommended over and over again. Exercise. Meditate. Talk to your family. These are strategies that work — therapists wouldn't recommend them if they didn't — but if they're not working for you, it's frustrating to say the least.
We asked therapists and mental health professionals what unique, sustainable anxiety tips they had that you maybe haven't heard multiple times before, that aren't meditation, exercise, or calling a friend. We narrowed it down to 18 simple, accessible strategies that you can try today, tomorrow, or whenever you need something new to refresh your mental health routine. Check out all the possibilities ahead.
1 Check In With Your Body

2 Allow Yourself to Feel Your Anxiety

3 Take Some Deep Breaths

4 Give Yourself a Hug

5 Find a Comfort Object

6 Leave the Room and Change Settings

7 Set Aside "Worry Time"

8 Write a Story

9 Label or Name Your Anxiety

10 Dance

11 Have Sex, With or Without a Partner

12 Laugh It Out

13 Ask a Friend to Assess Your Anxiety

14 Practice Self-Compassion

15 Do a Jigsaw Puzzle

16 Practice Gratitude

17 Do a Calming, Mindless Activity

18 Talk to a Therapist
