Deep breathing, relaxation techniques, and meditation help people to learn to relax as a means of increasing one s sense of well-being. Dietary changes, as well as a regular exercise, weight lifting and stretching program enhances one s mood and equanimity. Desensitization is one means among many to help a person gradually overcome a dreaded or phobic situation. Desensitization involves gradually exposing oneself to a feared stimulus, first by imagining or visualizing the situation, with increasing increments, and then by actually exposing oneself to the stressful situation in small but increasing doses. People sometimes take medication if their anxiety is significant and disabling, and one s physician helps them with those medications.
People often seek therapy as well, to deal with anxiety and related emotional issues.
There are many good books written on anxiety, relaxation techniques, diet, exercise, and related life style changes. I would be happy to make suggestions and recommendations for reading, and to offer further ideas, as needed. Please talk with me after our meeting, or contact me with questions via this newsletter. Have a great Fall.