12 ways to reduce anxiety

We're living in anxious times. Here are a few tips for dealing with anxiety. If any of them speak to you, give 'em a try. Please let us know how it goes and what works for you.

1. Be present.
   Are you safe? Is there something you need to do? Do you need to make a list of things to do or put some things on your calendar to do in the future? It's all about being here, now. We almost always worry about, and fear, things that are not happening now.
2. Get real.
   Are you saying things like "my mind is racing" or "my head is going to explode?" Check that little voice in your head and deal with reality, not the stuff you're making up. Your mind is not actually racing and it's not going to explode.
3. Breath
   Oxygen is good for you. Deep breathing is healthy and calming.
4. Take action.
   Are you stopped? Stuck? Frozen? If there's something you need to do, or if you're dealing with a problem that seems insurmountable, take some kind of action. Maybe a first step. Do something. Make a phone call, send a text, or send an email. A little action can be a huge stress reliever.
5. Stand up.
   Check your posture. Stand up straight. Move a little. Stretch. Again, it's all about being present and you can develop your own practices to accomplish this.
6. Get out of your head.
   Your mind can be a dangerous place. Get things out of your head by talking to somebody! Being in communication is what life is all about. Social media is great, but it's not the real, satisfying kind of communication that makes a difference. If they don't listen, who cares? Listen to them. People are different and no two people have exactly the same thoughts. The point is to not be alone with your thoughts. Make a connection. Call somebody you love. Or call somebody you haven't connected with in a long time. Or call somebody you barely know. If they don't answer, leave a voicemail and call somebody else.
7. Write stuff down.
   You can also get things out of your head by writing them down. If you're overwhelmed, you may be surprised that the to-do list is not as long as you thought -- once you write it down.
8. Watch the sugar.
   It tastes great, but it's bad for you and does not mix well with anxiety. If you're addicted (like all of us are), have some fruit.
9. Listen to the Beatles.
   Or other music that takes you to a good place.
10. Watch something funny.
    Laughter really is the best medicine.
11. Make a difference.
    Is there a way you can make a difference for someone else? There are a thousand ways to contribute to others, and most of them don't cost a penny. Be creative. In the moments we're thinking about others, instead of ourselves, anxiety has a way of disappearing.
12. CBD

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