Anxiety/ Fast Paced Life!

In this fast paced life we live, it is not uncommon to experience anxiety. It is actually a pretty “normal” part of life. We may sometimes find it hard to cope with certain stresses, feel overwhelmed by the amount of work we may have to do, fear we cannot catch up and find it difficult to make decisions. I’m sure most of you reading this right now have felt this way before. Sometimes the smaller irritations of everyday life can be blown out of proportion and we can feel as if we are losing control. In small amounts, anxiety is adaptive. It keeps us alert and out of danger, sparks us to action, and helps us to live a long and more fruitful life. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, that is maladaptive, it limits our functions and interferes with our daily life. This is when we need to start thinking about ways to manage our anxiety and try to slow down.

Managing the stress and anxieties in our fast paced life is all about taking time out here and there for YOU. This may help you to cope. Even though sometimes we feel as if there is not enough time to do this, such as deadlines with work or university, there are many easy and quick strategies you can perform. For example, watching a movie at the end of a hard day, having a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or even going on a mental vacation may help reduce anxiety. Even leaving one afternoon or day during the week for a “mental health day” may reduce unwarranted stress and anxiety and give you the strength to go back to work, tackle an assignment or even just face the next day with a fresh and clear outlook.

Most of all, it is really important to remember to check yourself, if you work in a very fast paced environment, you may likely be fast paced everywhere automatically, so take notice when there is no need for speed and again slow down. Being able to say “no” when you want to is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health. Also remember to breathe. When you find yourself speeding up and stressing out, pause, and take a deep breath. Take a couple more. Really feel the air coming into your body, and feel the stress going out. By fully focusing on each breath, you bring yourself back to the present, and slow yourself down.

Although it is not always possible to completely avoid the stresses that a fast paced life may bring, there are many easy ways we can decide how to healthily respond to it.

By Aly (ADAVIC Volunteer)