Overview
Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling that impacts our ability to focus and enjoy our lives. It is important to understand what action we can take to reduce anxiety and improve our wellbeing. Different amounts of anxiety will affect the best form of treatment. For example, simple lifestyle changes are often best for a small amount of anxiety. Larger amounts of anxiety may require psychological or medical treatments, or a combination of both. For these cases it is best to discuss this with your healthcare professional.
Meditation
Meditation is regarded as any activity that allows us to achieve mindfulness. The purpose of meditation is to focus upon one particular item around us, such as the present moment. We can also focus upon one aspect of our surroundings, including the rain upon a house roof, or birds outside. The most important aspect of meditation is that it allows us to be free of our thoughts, including those of our past or future. It is important to practice meditation, as it allows us to be less anxious and worried. Achieving mindfulness more often allows us to focus on the present moment and think less of any negative thoughts that might arise.
There are many different types of activities that involve meditation. Click on the link below to learn more.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the state of mind where we are only focused upon our surroundings. It occurs when we are free of any thoughts, including those about our future or our past. As described earlier, meditation is a particular activity which helps us to achieve mindfulness. Practicing meditation allows ourselves to be in the present moment more often. This is very beneficial, and is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing.
Additional Help and Resources
Anxiety and other mental health illnesses can be treated gradually over time, however there may be cases where professional help is necessary. It is best to see your doctor first to discuss treatment options. A referral can be made to psychologists, psychiatrists or other specialists to best suit your needs. Whilst our website focuses upon lifestyle changes and meditation, there are other psychological therapies that can also be used to treat anxiety. The two primary methods are known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These are both practiced with a professional such as a psychologist or therapist. See the links below for further information regarding these. It may be best to consult with your doctor to see if these treatments might be suitable for you.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/therapy-types/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy
Please also see the link below for global mental health organisations.