8 Proven Ways to Help Manage Your Anxiety
Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 is the year of anxiety.

Anxiety is an emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It can range from feeling slightly overwhelmed or uneasy all the way up to full-blown panic attacks and crippling anxiety. This year's Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on tackling stress and anxiety, aiming to provide education and support for those who need it most.
Everyone experiences anxiety differently, but common symptoms can include increased heart rate, sweating, difficulty concentrating, feeling on edge or jumpy and having trouble sleeping. In everyday life, it might look like avoiding certain situations or events that make you feel anxious, withdrawing from social activities or struggling to complete tasks because of anxious thoughts.
It's important to remember that anxiety is normal and can be managed with the right support. The following article looks at 8 ways to potentially help manage your anxiety, with 5 tips for managing anxiety at home to 3 non-traditional tips. We'll also look in detail at CBD for anxiety - what it is, how to use it and the benefits of using CBD for anxiety.

5 Tips for Managing Anxiety at Home
Everyone experiences anxiety differently, so there's no one size fits all way to manage it. However, there are some things you can do at home to help manage your anxiety. Here are 5 tips that are proven to help:
1. Exercise: Regular exercise helps to release endorphins, relieving stress and anxiety levels. It can also be a great way to take your mind off any anxious thoughts and help you get into a routine that works for you.
2. Dietary changes: Diet has a huge impact on mental health, so try to focus on eating foods that make you feel good such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and wholegrain carbohydrates. Eating healthily can help you feel more energised and less anxious.
3. Challenge your thoughts: It can be easy to get carried away and start thinking the worst-case scenario. Take some time to pause and challenge these negative thoughts, looking at things from a different perspective. What are you worrying about? Is it a real worry or is it hypothetical? Have you had the same thoughts before and they've turned out not to be real? Challenging these thoughts can often help you reduce anxiety and stop them from overwhelming you.
4. Reach out to Others: Don't be afraid to reach out if you're feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to. Whether it's a friend, family or support group, talking through your worries can help you find solutions and reduce anxiety levels.
5. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Take time for yourself to sit back, relax and practice deep breathing exercises or meditation techniques. This can help to calm your thoughts and provide a much-needed break from anxious feelings.

3 Non-Traditional Tips for Anxiety Management
Alternative therapies and treatments can be just as effective at managing anxiety as traditional methods. Here are 3 non-traditional tips that could help you manage:
1. CBD for Anxiety: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in cannabis plants. Because of its natural roots and anecdotal evidence, it's becoming increasingly popular as an alternative way to manage anxiety. Keep reading to find out more about CBD and anxiety.
2. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be an effective way to manage anxiety when used in combination with other forms of treatment. It can help you identify what triggers your anxious thoughts and expose any underlying issues that might need further attention.
3. Art Therapy: Art therapy can be a great way to express emotions that are difficult to put into words. Creative activities such as painting, drawing or sculpting can also help reduce stress and anxiety levels whilst helping you connect with yourself on a deeper level.

Does CBD work for Anxiety?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike its counterpart THC, CBD is not intoxicating and therefore won't get you 'high'. It has recently become popular for managing anxiety due to the reported relaxing effects it can have on the body. Some studies have shown promising results for CBD and anxiety however more research is needed to confirm the benefits.
At this moment in time, it is not advised to use CBD to treat medical conditions, including mental health, as potential benefits cannot be guaranteed - CBD is not legally sold in the UK for medicinal purposes. If you're considering taking CBD for anxiety, it's important to speak with your health practitioner beforehand.
There are two primary ways of taking CBD for this purpose - CBD oil and CBD vape. When it comes to choosing which product is right for you, consider your lifestyle. For example, if you're looking for a quick hit of relaxation, then vaping might be the best option - it enters your bloodstream faster and stronger.
Preparing yourself for Mental Health Awareness Week
In conclusion, Mental Health Awareness week is a great time to focus on tackling stress and anxiety. Although there isn't one definitive answer in terms of treating anxiety, understanding the different techniques available can help you find an effective way for managing it. Dietary changes, challenging thoughts, reaching out to others and relaxation techniques are all important steps. Additionally, CBD has recently become popular as an alternative way to potentially manage anxiety. However, it is important to speak with your health practitioner before considering taking CBD for this purpose.
By understanding and acknowledging our own anxieties, we can take steps towards managing them in a safe and effective way. Mental Health Awareness Week provides us with the opportunity to come together and educate ourselves to live a happier, healthier life.
If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety, please reach out for help. There is no shame in asking for help - your mental health matters. Visit the Mental Health Foundation website or contact your local GP to get advice and support.