Macy Flower Show

Anxiety effects us all. Sometimes a little anxiety can be a useful thing. It can alert us to a situation that is just not right. It can keep us on our toes during an important event. We have all experienced the butterflies before the big game or social event.

We have all felt a little nervous meeting new clients or in laws. Such anxiety is normal.

But when worries and anxiety prevent us from leading normal productive lives, we may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. At any one time, about four million people suffer from a condition known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

While medical authorities do not know the exact cause of this disorder, they have developed several effective treatments.

These treatments include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques. Many times sufferers of this condition receive significant relief from their symptoms after just a few sessions. If you suspect you suffer from this condition, discuss it with your doctor.

Those of us with normal anxiety can benefit from some of the relaxation techniques used to treat sufferers of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and guided imagery can help us to manage normal anxiety.

Guided imagery is a simple relaxation technique that can help you manage stress and reduce tension throughout your entire body. It is convenient and works quickly. All you need is about ten to fifteen minutes and a quite place where you will not be disturbed.

You will want to get in a comfortable position such as seated in a comfortable chair. Close your eyes and begin breathing deeply from deep in your diaphragm. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This deep breathing should get you into a more relaxed state very quickly. Once you are relaxed begin to imagine yourself in a very relaxed place. That place will be different for each person. Perhaps your place will be in a cool forest overlooking a peaceful lake. Perhaps you will find yourself on a warm deserted beach.

Now that you have imagined your relaxed and peaceful place, begin to engage all of your senses. Can you hear the waves as they lap ashore? Are the leaves rustling in the breeze? Can you feel the warmth of the sun? Do you smell the fragrances of the blossoming flowers?

Every time you practice this relaxation technique, you will get better at it. The images, sounds and smells will become more vivid and real. Try this technique. Set aside a specific time every day to practice it. It will do wonders to relieve the normal anxieties of everyday life.

Do you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks? Know someone who does? Learn more about how you can at