Breathing, meditation to help with anxiety?

Question

I have GAD and I'm taking Lexepro, but I just started. Right now I'm feeling really anxious and I'm wondering if anyone can share with me some techniques to lessen anxiety.

Answer 1

I have GAD also and I find that taking a hot shower and slow relaxed breathing and listing to calming music really helps a lot. Also walking helps, try not to get involved in other peoples problems even if means not answering the phone until it passes. Do something that you enjoy and find relaxing. I hope this helps you. I like listening to Native American Indian music I find it soothing but that is just me you will need to find what works for you.. Good Luck it is a tough one to get through at least for me...

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I also have GAD and I have taken many things over the years. First you need to talk to your Doctor/Nurse Practitioner and tell them how you are feeling. It may be that you need a stronger dosage or they may even want to change your medication. There are many medications to treat GAD and they all work differently for everyone. What ever you do DO NOT stop taking them "cold turkey" there is huge side effects from doing this.

Until then I try and stay busy to lessen my anxiety...... Talk a walk outdoors, get some fresh air, read a favorite book, take a few minutes to stretch, close your eyes and concentrate on happy thoughts and try to clear your mind, write down things you are grateful for.

Answer 4

There are a couple that work. This is the beginner's meditation i usually give to people. There are others, but this seems to be a good 1st introduction.


Try this for 20 minutes a day for the next month.

Lay down in a quiet room, close your eyes, and take slow deep breaths. make each inhale and exhale last as long as you can.

First say to yourself "I feel my toes relaxing." and they will. Then say "I feel my ankles relaxing" and they will. Go all the way to the top of your head until you reach the top of your head.

Imagine that as you exhale that red smoke it blowing out your mouth as you exhale, taking away all the stress with it. As it goes out of you, you'll feel your body getting lighter.

Just lay there, calmly breathing, blowing out the stress, for about 20 minutes.

I actually suggest MEDITATION FOR DUMMIES, it's a good beginners guide. Emptying out your mind is ALWAYS a good way to cope I think, I've been doing it for ages.

Get a copy of Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment by Tal Ben-Shahar. I think it'll help you get a handle on a few things.

And keep a diary, and as part of it write down 5 things every day that you are greatful for. It retrains your mind to focus on the good side of life.

Never took Lexepro, but was on zoloft for a long time. Use them as a way to make things better for a while so you can learn to use your mind as a tool for happiness. That's my advice. Meditate, learn self hypnosis, learn astral projection and lucid dreaming. Turn your brain from an enemy into your best friend. There's a million ways to do it, and they are all worth it.

Best of luck, we're all pulling for you!