Senior Health How to Manage Anxiety in a High-Anxiety Era 7/5/2022 | By Seniors Guide Staff Seniors Guide suggests six easy ways to manage anxiety and stress, especially during crisis times. We look at the importance of friends, meditation, relaxation-targeted apps, and more. These past few years have been especially stressful – from a global pandemic to political turmoil to worldwide inflation to a heartbreaking war – not to mention the anxiety each of us as individual may have had to face. Sure, seniors have had enough trips around the sun to know that life is hard. Those of us who watched Saturday Night Live in its heyday recall Gilda Radner’s character, Roseanne Roseannadanna, who often said, “Just goes to show you; it’s always something. If it’s not one thing it’s another.” Or as author David Gerrold reminds us, “Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order.” About 18% of American adults, about 40 million of us, suffer from an anxiety disorder. In times of crisis, it can become more difficult to manage anxiety. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with an anxiety-related disorder, you may be feeling stressed or anxious these days. Some symptoms of anxiety are feeling irritable, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and experiencing changes in sleep or eating patterns. If you are feeling anxious or stressed, or know someone who is, here are some ways to manage anxiety in this high-anxiety era. 6 Ways to Manage Anxiety 1. Reach Out to Friends It’s important to stay connected with other people, especially when you’re anxious or stressed. Call or text friends and family members, even if you can’t see them in person. Hearing their voices will reassure you that they’re okay. Sharing your feelings will help you manage anxiety and other stressful feelings. Ask your friends and family if they need anything. Helping others can give you a sense of control when a stressful situation makes you feel helpless. 2. Don’t Saturate Yourself with Information Information is at our fingertips now, and it’s easy to access a constant stream of bad news on our phones, computers, and TVs. That flood of information can cause anxiety and stress. Dr. Steven Taylor, clinical psychologist and professor at Canada’s University of British Columbia, calls this constant chase for more information “going down the Internet rabbit hole.” Dr. Taylor recommends setting a time limit on your news intake and your social media consumption. If you’re concerned about missing an important announcement, let your friends and family know you’re limiting your exposure to news, and that they should contact you if there’s an emergency. Use your extra time to get some exercise, chat on the phone with friends and family, read a book, or cook an interesting dish. 3. Imagine the Best Case Scenario This technique to manage anxiety is borrowed from cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. In CBT, anxiety sufferers focus on their thinking and identify negative thought patterns that increase their stress. They learn to control those thoughts and replace them with positive, helpful thoughts. In CBT, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones is known as a countering technique. If you find yourself imagining the worst case scenario, try replacing that thought with a better outcome. 4. Stick to a Routine When your daily life gets interrupted, that can lead to stress and anxiety. Create a routine you can stick to. Include exercise, time outdoors if possible, healthy eating, and rest and relaxation. 5. Try Breathing and Grounding Exercises Take a technique from yoga and meditation and take a few deep, mindful breaths. Yogis recommend the 4/7/8 formula. Inhale while you count to four, hold your breath and count to seven, and then exhale fully while you count to eight. This grounding exercise gives you something to focus on, calms you, and lowers your blood pressure. 6. Download an App Designed to Manage Anxiety Many smartphone apps have been developed in the past few years to help people manage anxiety and support relaxation. One free app, called Flowy, provides a game-based way to manage panic attacks. Flowy helps users relax and control their breathing. Headspace and Calm are two other apps designed to guide meditation, encourage rest, and decrease stress. Read More Seniors Guide Staff Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.