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

If you're in an anxiety-provoking situation, don't avoid the emotion, said psychologist Alissa Jerud, PhD. For example, "rather than tell yourself that it's unlikely that your friend will reject you (which is just another form of avoidance), acknowledge the possibility of your feared outcomes," she explained. "You might say, 'Yes, she might not want to talk with me and might even be annoyed that I'm calling,' and then just acknowledge that this could happen whenever this thought pops up, whether before, during, or after making the call." Accepting the possibility of an outcome — even if it's scary — gives you proof that you can tolerate these anxious thoughts and you don't need to let them slow you down.