8 Ways to Take Control of Your Anxiety Today

Anxiety is a crippling disorder that affects you both mentally and physically. I would know; I have coped with it for years now. But 2017 is the year I'm going to face my nerves head on. I'm staying positive about this year, and you should, too. The only way to climb out of the darkness is to believe that you can, so I have some incredibly helpful tips for taking control of your anxiety. Read on and challenge yourself to do the same.

01
Accept that you have anxiety.
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Accept that you have anxiety.

You may not want to believe that you cope with anxiety, but it's OK that you do. Eighteen percent of America deals with anxiety every single day, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. You can't improve if you don't admit to what needs to be worked on. So embrace your issues and move on to finding a solution. We're all in this together!

02
Stay organized.
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Stay organized.

This tip is so simple yet incredibly effective. A lot of stress comes from messiness and being unable to find things. It's proven that a clean home will improve your overall health. So tidy up after yourself and save a whole lot of wasted time on anxiety that you could have prevented!

03
Find a hobby you're passionate about.
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Find a hobby you're passionate about.

Nothing takes anxiety off of my mind quite like jogging or painting. But those are just the things I like! Whether it's arts and crafts, a sport, or a club, finding a hobby you truly love distracts you from your worries. You are so occupied with what you're doing that the nerves start to melt away. Figure out what you're passionate about and make sure to do it a few times a week.

04
Get enough sleep.
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Get enough sleep.

Studies show that getting less sleep leads to more negative thoughts. So try going to bed at least an hour earlier than you normally would for more peace of mind.

05
Don't keep it a secret.
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Don't keep it a secret.

Do you know what secrets lead to? Even more anxiety! Harboring your feelings will not help you, so be open and honest with your loved ones about what you're going through. They will be much more understanding of your actions if they know the reasoning behind them.

06
Maintain a good relationship with your doctor.
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Maintain a good relationship with your doctor.

If you haven't sought professional help yet, there's no time like the present. Doctors and therapists are experts at pinpointing the sources of your problems and giving you the tools to fix them. Make sure to check in with your doctor on a quarterly basis at the least.

07
Practice self-care on a daily basis.
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Practice self-care on a daily basis.

Self-care means something different to everyone, but overall it is the practice of doing things that will benefit you in the future. Whether that means meditating, reading a book, or simply painting your nails, it doesn't matter what it is. What matters is that it will improve the condition of your overall wellness.

08
Remain positive.
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Remain positive.

Most importantly, maintain an encouraging attitude. You can't keep moving forward unless you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Anxiety is defeatable. Anxiety is manageable. Anxiety does not define you.