Anxiety has a physiological component, often creating a subjective experience of discomfort. We may feel anxiety as physical stress in the body. Adrenalin is released when we are anxious, giving us energy to ‘fight’ the perceived danger, or to ‘flee’ from it. In dealing with anxiety, you may find that patterns of sleep, rest, relaxation, or diet, may need adjustment. Physical relaxation can be particularly helpful in the battle against anxiety. Many find it helpful to daily practice progressive muscle relaxation. This simply involves stopping for a few minutes to work through each muscle group in turn, letting those muscles go completely loose and limp. A good time to practice this is when you lie down to sleep at night. Start at your toes and work upwards, relaxing each set of muscles in turn until you arrive at the top of your head. You will probably need to repeat the exercise a few times. Practice doing this when you go to bed, and at other times, as required, and you are likely to experience a generally lower level of anxiety and stress.
