Anxiety Help L.A.

Author: anxietyLA

  • Gratitude vs. Anxiety

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    The science of gratitude–and its mental health impact–explored (NYT). Many studies have asked participants to write letters of thanks, or to list the positive things in their lives, and then measured the effects of those acts. The results suggest that performing these types of activities provides mental health benefits — reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety,…

  • Useful Anxiety

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    Not all anxiety is bad. From The Upside of Anxiety (NYT): [M]anaging stress may be more useful than banishing it. According to the Yerkes-Dodson Law, a theory that originated in the early 20th century from experiments on mice, increasing amounts of cognitive arousal, or stress, can improve performance — but only up to a certain point.…

  • Anxiety Books

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    Reading is generally a good way to get some distance from whatever’s eating you at any given moment. Unless you’re reading about what’s getting you wound up. Here are a few collections of recommended books about anxiety and potentially helpful for anxiety relief. 6 Great Books to Read if You Have Anxiety (the Cut) 13…

  • Breathing for Stress Relief

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    An illustrated menu of breathing options from the NYT: Consciously changing the way you breathe appears to send a signal to the brain to adjust the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system, which can slow heart rate and digestion and promote feelings of calm as well as the sympathetic system, which controls the release of…

  • Resolutions for the New Year

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    One way to reduce anxiety is to look at the big picture. What’s giving you trouble? (Relationships, work, family, old habits, old attitudes…) What power, if any, do you have to change those things? One way that therapy can often help is by questioning long-held beliefs about what can and can’t be changed. You can…

  • Managing Anxiety–Some Tips

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    Have you been finding yourself worrying more than usual? You’re not alone. Here’s a good list–ways to help manage anxiety from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head. Eat well-balanced…

  • Happiness Anxiety

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    A new book looks at Americans’ pursuit of happiness and discovers a source of anxiety (NYT review): The problem with our quest for happiness is that, apparently, it’s making us miserable. After some idle Googling, her suspicions are confirmed. Various clever studies by psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley, show that “paradoxically, the more people valued…

  • Yoga vs. GAD

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    This “study” (with only three subjects!) indicates yoga may help with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. It’s not the first. You can run your own one-person study if you are struggling with GAD. Try some yoga and see what result you get. Might help!

  • Anxious and Proud

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    anxietyLA
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    We need anxiety. (We just don’t need too much anxiety.) Along with the very useful emotion of fear, anxiety has been “largely responsible for the survival of the species,” he says. Sensing future dangers and figuring out what to do about them is hugely valuable, survival-wise. The clan with no one worrying about fermenting enough fish…

  • Sleep with Me

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    anxietyLA
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    Having trouble sleeping? You’re not alone. Here’s an essay from Pagan Kennedy about her insomnia and efforts to overcome it. One possibly valuable tip: tune in to tune out. Listening to something diverting but not terribly interesting can help you let go of being awake. The Sleep with Me Podcast fits the bill, because that’s what it’s…