Anxiety Reduction

Anxiety Reduction

The essay describes some psychological theories related to anxiety, coping skills and relaxation techniques. The environment presents many challenges and demands, and expectations may cause considerable stress. Interestingly, psychological studies show that change causes stress on individuals, at it holds true even for positive changes, particularly in women compared to me. Likewise, cortisol (steroid neurohormone) appears to be related to stress, while excessive cortisol levels may be related to weight gain around the waist. An important distinction lies in individual differences of perceived stress. For example, a person may be used to stressful situations and no longer interpret them as unusual, while another person would find the stress levels highly disruptive and unpleasant.

Psychologists describe anxiety as a fearful reaction to unconfirmed threats. Anxiety provoking stimuli typically do not warrant fear, as opposed to real danger to which fear is an adaptive reaction. For instance, thoroughly washing one’s hands before eating out of fear of contamination is an adaptive, evolutionary mechanism, while compulsively washing for 30 minutes after each meal for fear of germs is not and represents anxiety (and a compulsion if intrusive and repeated). Compulsions represent repetitive behaviours, often maladaptive. For instance, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts and compulsions.

Anxiety. Illustration by Elena

Relaxation techniques include breathing and self-talk, thinking positive thoughts, meditation. In general, psychologists tend to agree that unless a habit causes distress to the individual it not much of a problem, although there are exceptions, and of course it does not apply to cases when the person is a danger to themselves or others. Talking to trusted friends helps reduce anxiety also. Another method consists of visualization, picturing a safe, positive environment and relaxing. Alternatively, relaxation music, such as that played in spas, may also help people to keep calm, as well as recordings of the sound of sea or ocean waves; this concludes the present excerpt on psychology, anxiety and stress reduction strategies.