Do you find yourself unable to balance life and manage anxiety/stress in your life? Do you find it hard to get everything done in the day? Balancing your life and managing anxiety can be hard for many people.

If you are someone that wears many hats, such as a parent, spouse, child, student, friend, or boss, then you know what it’s like to feel that there is not enough time to get everything done and still be there for yourself. We all have a limit to time and energy. Therefore, it is crucial to spend our time wisely and not overwhelm ourselves doing it. Remind yourself that you are doing your best and your needs and values are just as important as the list of things you need to do!

Anxiety Disorders affect 18.1 % of adults in the United States (approximately 40 million adults between the ages of 18 to 54) – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Less than fifty percent of people with anxiety seek a form of treatment. Anxiety can be caused by the body’s response to stress and can cause our fight or flight responses.

Anxiety when left untreated can lead to greater health conditions. This can include heart disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, migraines, and gastrointestinal issues. This is all part of the mind and body connection and can even be influenced by environmental factors.

Here are some ways you can help manage your stress and anxiety, but do not be afraid to ask for help.

Tips to balance life and manage anxiety:

• Take time for yourself. Fuel your body with proper nutrition. Getting enough sleep and exercise is very important to help with anxiety. Self-care is key to managing symptoms of anxiety and allows your body the break it needs. Learn to say no when you become too overwhelmed or need to focus on other things. Even though it can be hard, try not to neglect your own needs.

• Get outside. Embracing nature has many soothing effects. Taking 30-minute walks allows us to breathe in fresh air and introduces us to movement and exercise.

• Identify your anxiety. Do you respond to the anxiety of others? Does other people’s anxiety cause anxiety within yourself? To find ways to have less stress you must identify what is causing your stress and anxiety. Prioritize your schedule. Having a schedule can lesson our stress when we have a consistent time each day that we know what we need to do. Try not to be a problem solver for others and be okay with saying no. Schedule extra time in the day for breaks so that you feel less anxious between important tasks.

• Take things one day at a time. If looking at planning events a month out causes you stress, try to focus on today and work your way up to a monthly planned out schedule.

• Surround yourself with a support system. People that help you relax or manage your stress are those that should be close in your circle. Family and friends can help with delegating tasks that you do not have time for now and can be support each day. Do you have people that you can just vent to and relieve some stress? You need healthy outlets that you can go to for support.

If you have a small circle and still feel like you do not have enough support, therapy/counseling or support groups are a great outlet for many people. Do not be afraid to reach out to a trained professional for help with anxiety. Attack anxiety head on! Visualize success and change within your health. Always remember to be kind to yourself!

In conclusion, here are some ways you can ease anxiety right now:

• Breath work/Deep breathing exercises
• Take a break
• Get outside
• Go for a walk
• Meditate
• Journal your thoughts
• Speak to a loved one or therapist, counselor, or social worker