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Sandra Avila | Posted on October 02, 2019
Getty Images”Many people with anxiety disorders understand that their thoughts are irrational, but they still can’t stop them”.
Sincerely Sandra
It’s time we had a talk about our anxious thoughts. Whether it’s casual stress or generalized anxiety, you are not alone. The never-ending ‘what ifs’ and doubts can truly put a strain on our daily grind. It is time we all set some boundaries on our anxieties. No matter what stresses are on your mind, take a moment (like seriously…right now before you continue to read along) and breathe.
Sometimes we forget to remind ourselves to appreciate how far we’ve come and it’s time we should!
Anxiety sometimes helps us prepare for deadlines, can act as a safeguard from danger, and can even promote self-awareness. Although, one thing for sure is it can be VERY destructive if it gets out of control. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 85% of college students reported feeling overwhelmed by life at some point during the past school year (and this was data from 2015). I’ve also spoken with a bunch of students, friends, and even strangers on the CTA about anxiety and how it has plagued our nation day by day. There’s no denying that we all feel anxious and experience anxiety at some point. If someone claims they never felt anxious, they’re lying! It’s totally normal but if it becomes a constant issue that’s when it can spiral out of control. Luckily, there are tons of techniques, tricks, research, etc that can help ease the tension.
Methods to try out
Journal your thoughts- (And I’m not talking about a little diary for your school crushes) This should be a journal for your personal thoughts and whatever seems to be making you feel anxious. It will serve as a record so that you can reflect on what might be at the root of your stress.
Breathing exercises-
Sit or lay down in a comfy position for a few seconds
Close your eyes and start by slowly breathing in for 4-5 seconds
Hold in for 3 seconds…
Exhale for 4-5 seconds
Hold for 3 seconds..and repeat
*You can choose how long you wish to inhale and exhale. This is just a typical standard that I’m comfortable with. Take your time and feel your body relax the more you work on it.
Take a short walk, sit outside, get fresh air- (My personal favorite) Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs there’s always a park somewhere for you to enjoy the trees, sky, plants, etc. You can google a ton of articles that prove nature does have an influence on our mental health and if you don’t believe me the short walk definitely gets the body moving and will help you to focus on yourself. Maybe take this time to journal. The purpose is to create a space for you to reflect and RELAX from your daily activities.
Always keep in mind, if anxiety affects your ability to go to school, work, social functions, etc. please reach out to someone you trust. If that is not an option, UIC’s Wellness Center can always offer help and guidance. Never suffer in silence. You are worth more than you realize!
*The Wellness Center is located in Student Center East (750 S. Halsted St.) on the 2nd floor. Walk through the Inner Circle and go through the glass doors.
Here’s an additional article if you’re interested:
A little bit about me
I’m a third-year undergraduate student. My major is Psychology. I’m passionate about expressing myself through fashion, comedy, art, and listening to a ton of music. My friends would describe me as creative, WILD, funny, unique, and sarcastic. I am a foodie at heart and my favorite beverages are Dr. Pepper, coffee, and Red Bull. I talk a lot so if you’ve had me in classes, you know. I’m also Mexican (still working on my Spanish) and like to make that known because I’m constantly told by people how I don’t look it. I take great pride in the fact that my family is from Durango and La Purisima and hope to one day go there and experience the culture.
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