Easy Ways to Beat Anxiety and Stress - Slideshow

What is anxiety?

Nervousness, or its extreme form - anxiety, is a feeling of dread about potential events, which may or may not be justified.

Nervousness to a certain extent is normal. But in some individuals, such fear hampers their ability to function. Difficulties in professional life, 'stage fright' and social gaffes occur as a result.

Symptoms of anxiety

Nervousness (or anxiety) is mostly experienced when you have to speak, perform or even eat in public. Others find it difficult to perform under stress, such as at an exam or facing an interview.

Such behavior results from inherent fears of appearing stupid, clamming up, forgetting information or stress to perform the best.

Symptoms of anxiety

These insecurities only succeed in making you a 'bag of nerves' every time you encounter such situations.

Symptoms of nervousness include feelings of depression and irritability, fear of failure, self-criticism and negative thoughts, psychosomatic illness tendencies and physical symptoms like a excess perspiration, racing heartbeat, dry mouth, shaky voice, twitching fingers and shivering hands

Dealing with anxiety

Extreme forms of nervousness usually result because of a traumatic earlier experience.

Seeking professional help on this front to 'face your fear' would be advisable. The other possible negative outcomes that you're worked up about can be dealt with easily.

Staying cool

When giving a speech or making a presentation, be thorough with your preparation, make an outline of the points you want to touch upon, and prepare in advance for possible questions.

At social functions, learn to relax and be yourself. Don't be pretentious. Talk freely, as if to a friend. Only confronting such situations repeatedly will help you overcome your insecurities. Reduce stress using meditation techniques which will keep you calm and relaxed.

Lifestyle changes

Before a big day, it helps to make minor lifestyle changes.

Exercise to work off your nervous tension. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, chocolates, carbonated drinks and caffeine-containing medications.

Lifestyle changes

Don't eat a big meal prior to such situations. Keep it small and healthy.

Avoid alcohol and drugs. It only wreaks your confidence more. If these don't help, seek medical help. The important factor is to identify your anxious/nervous behavior and act to correct it.