| Stress would always be a part of work, family, and | | | | I also write down the causes of my anxiety attack. |
| even relationships. It has always been an ingredient | | | | Although I already know them, it still helps to write them |
| that makes up an interesting life. Yes, I have to say | | | | down. It is a good reminder. After recognizing, I also |
| that somewhat stress does spice things up. However, | | | | take note of how my body and mind reacts. The |
| too much of something can really be unhealthy. In this | | | | action I have done to overcome the stress and what |
| case, I would like to discuss how my elevated stress | | | | is my quick fix. I have noticed that I have been doing |
| can worsen my anxiety attacks. | | | | unhealthy tactics to cope with stress. |
| I have been under the spell of anxiety attacks a few | | | | Sometimes, I do some alcohol drinking spree with |
| years back. It felt like I can no longer overcome the | | | | friends. There are times that I would over eat, watch |
| curse that the anxiety gave me. Aside from the | | | | the television until I zone out, and sometimes I tend to |
| condition that I have, I also have to deal with stress | | | | be too irritated that I have sudden angry outbursts. |
| brought by my work. It is a combination that really | | | | Since these actions are just triggering my anxiety |
| gave me a hard time. It is as if, one feeds the other, | | | | attacks to surface, I have decided to stop stress from |
| and vice-versa. I am wondering if my anxiety attack is | | | | controlling my life. I have to take the driver's seat. |
| brought by my stress, or it is my stress that gives me | | | | There are four A's that helped me control my |
| the anxiety. | | | | elevated stress. These four A's are avoid, alter, adapt, |
| These two can actually feed each other's fire. It is true | | | | or accept. These first two options focus on changing |
| that I am stressing out with my condition, and my | | | | the situation that stresses you out. You may avoid the |
| stress tends to trigger my attacks. When I am | | | | stressor or alter the stressor. Learn how to say NO |
| stressed out, I feel the need to get more sugary treats. | | | | and stick with it, or you may just end the relationship |
| It is a quick fix for me. I also lack sleep during the | | | | with the person that stresses you out. Alter the |
| stressful days in the office, hence I reach out for a cup | | | | stressor by expressing your feelings to the person |
| of coffee to wake me up. I did not know that these | | | | that stresses you out or just compromise. |
| are the two stuffs that I have to avoid due to my | | | | The third A is Adapt to the stressor. Adjust your |
| susceptibility to anxiety. | | | | standards. Aiming at perfection would always stress |
| Caffeine and sugar provides extra energy that I do not | | | | you out. Make a goal that you can actually achieve. |
| really need. By consuming products that are high in | | | | The last A is acceptance. If you can't change it, accept |
| sugar or caffeine, I feel jittery and unfocused, making it | | | | it. Controlling the uncontrollable will just give you stress |
| more difficult for me to work. So, I tried to figure out | | | | and eventually an anxiety attack. So, try to open your |
| what is stressing me out. Recognition is one of the | | | | mind. |
| most important steps to take in this condition. I started | | | | These are my personal tactics that help me during an |
| to keep a journal where I would write the triggers of | | | | elevated stress that can worsen my anxiety attack. |
| my stress. When I do not know the specific reason, I | | | | Enjoy the stress but do not allow it get the best of |
| make an intelligent guess. | | | | you. |