Take Control of Your Anxiety Before It Controls You

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective: To educate individuals and patients about anxiety/stress and how are central nervous system reacts to perceived anxiety. An individuals’ level of anxiety is dependent on their response to the anxiety provoking stimulus in the environment. Various approaches to management of anxiety, life-style and health promotion can decrease the impact of anxiety on one’s overall well-being. Evidence-based techniques/interventions are presented via this informative poster. Background: Anxiety is a diffuse apprehension vague in nature and is associated with feelings of uncertainty and helplessness. Anxiety does not discriminate and can affect any individual regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, level of education, culture, or healthcare beliefs. It tends to be higher in women than men and can either be generalized (happens daily) or compartmentalized in the form of acute panic. Mild anxiety can be considered a good thing and can increase motivation and arousal when competing or taking an exam. When moderate levels are reached it becomes concerning and can impact one’s ability to function at optimum levels. Any internal or external trigger in our day to day life can cause anxiety. When an individual’s response is overly exaggerated or heightened compared to another person’s perception of a stimuli in the environment, an individual may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Methods: Review of Literature on anxiety and evidence-based interventions used to reduce anxiety. Search terms included anxiety, coping with anxiety and studies published between 2012 and 2017 were selected. Procedures: Identification of most relevant approaches and summary of each approach and benefits of each technique/exercise. Healthy ways to manage and cope with anxiety are presented in this poster. how an individual can control their response to the negative stressor. General Statistical Plan: Systematic review of the literature, identification of current effective interventions, and concise summary of each technique/exercise. Several studies examined how an individual can control their response to a negative stressor and improves positive emotions and mood. Results: The findings indicate several studies reported success with holistic interventions such as yoga-enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety management; effects of exercise on anxiety levels and metabolic functions; lavender oil for anxiety; and foods that have been shown to reduce anxiety. These interventions lead to a reduction of an individual’s anxiety and improved coping skills and understanding of trigger(s). Conclusion: Overall, the review of literature on reduction of anxiety and management of anxiety identified various approaches that were presented in this poster. One can take control over their perception of an anxiety provoking stimuli thus, not allowing their anxiety to control them. “No amount of regret can change the past. No amount of anxiety can change the future.” -Karen Salmansahn