If you've ever suffered from anxiety, you're not alone. So before we get into what we can do about anxiety lets take a look at what it is. Well firstly people often think of it as an emotional or psychological condition but lets look at it another way, rather as a physical condition with a set of symptoms. If you've ever experienced it you will have noticed symptoms such as a raised heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness & sweating.

Imagine a pot sitting in your stomach. Over years, through different experiences, emotions go into that pot. Eventually the emotions build up and the pot is at risk of overflowing. At this point the body sends us anxiety to warn us of this potentially messy outcome & that action is needed.

But to understand this further, lets look at emotions themselves. Typically we're taught that emotions revolve around thoughts. However the majority of emotions aren't generated by thought but rather by our 'body intelligence'. Often we miss this body communication, don't listen to it or override it which can lead to the creation of anxiety.

"Oh no!" I hear you say, but that's not going to help my anxiety about my impending exams, job interview or meeting with the bank manager. Well, there are some very practical things you can do. As anxiety is caused by ALL the emotions going in to the pot. By not just working on, say the job interview, but any negatives in your life the anxiety can subside or go completely. Lets take an example:

1) Situation & Emotion
At home alone watching TV show repeat. Realised I was bored.
Action: Played on my guitar.
Outcome: Boredom went & I'm getting better @ it :)

2) Situation & Emotion
Worrying about upcoming job interview. Don't feel like I know enough about the position or company or trust my abilities.
Action: Researched the company online & read the job spec. Wrote down some points about why I'm suitable for the job.
Outcome: Worry lessened.

3) Situation & Emotion
Realised I was frustrated at just job hunting & not seeing friends.
Action: Did a rough plan of which job applications to do when & made sure there was time to catch up with some mates.
Outcome: Would prefer to see them more, but it helped a lot.

4) Situation & Emotion
Friend really annoying me, unloading their problems when we meet for a coffee. Action: Changed the subject & later told them it had been nice but I had to go as I had other things on.
Outcome: Annoyance went.

So that may be a simplistic example but you can see here, by addressing all the negative emotions & ensuring more balance, you can empty the pot & your body won't need to keep sending the anxiety.

So here's to making it through those finals, getting the job you want & a less anxious house purchase!

Saul Levitt is an Accredited Mickel Therapist. For more information on anxiety or other health conditions visit: http://www.intuitivehealth.co.uk or contact: saul@intuitivehealth.co.uk Alternatively you can download a workbook on anxiety here: http://www.mickeltherapy.com/shop/info_t.asp?prid=9979 Saul will also be running a 1 or 2 day health seminar with Dr Mickel in early 2008 in London.