For most, anxiety can be an unbearable struggle day in and day out. While some try their best to maintain it through therapy, medication, exercise and so on, most still cannot avoid the daily stresses of everyday tasks and worrisome thoughts that linger throughout.
But a new study from the Netherlands and writer Joseph Brownstein suggests that setting aside a scheduled 30 minute period to worry each day proved to be a beneficial technique for those struggling with anxiety and were able to better cope with their problems in the long run.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety isn’t just the fear we feel before a big test or speech.
For some, anxiety is a never-ending terrifying roller coaster of emotions and symptoms. You could be sitting in your living room watching television or on your way to an appointment only to suddenly feel very much unwanted heart palpitations, tension, nausea, sweating, trembling, and sometimes even a full blown panic attack. These occurrences are an all-too-familiar territory for those whom have a severe anxiety disorder.
There are many forms of anxiety in particular. Generalize anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and so on.
So what would happen if those whom struggle greatly introduced and applied this new technique to their anxiety?
Four Steps to The Technique
There are only four steps involved in what the study calls the Stimulus Control.
The first is that participants are asked to identify the precise source of worry. Secondly, they must set aside a specific time in their daily schedule to sit down and acknowledge the worry. Thirdly, when they catch themselves worrying at the wrong time, they must postpone the unwanted thoughts and instead focus on what it is they must do first. Finally, participants are asked to use the time they’ve set aside for worry to try and solve their problems when the worries are welcomed and present.
Results of Those Using Reduction Technique
The study was performed with a small group of people and researches quickly found that people who applied the techniques before beginning therapeutic regimens reduced their overall anxiety, stress and depression systems greatly compared to those using only traditional anxiety treatments.
"When we're engaged in worry, it doesn't really help us for someone to tell us to stop worrying," said Tom Borkovec, a professor at Penn State University. "If you tell someone to postpone it for a while, we are able to actually do that."
Stress Can Have a Negative Effect on The Body
As most know, worrying and stressing yourself silly can beat down the body physically in various ways. Avoiding the worry when told can reduce the negative attributes that stress often provides, thus leading you a better, healthier and more productive lifestyle.
So the next time you feel especially antsy, apply the Stimulus Control to your daily schedule and experience the results for yourself.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any mental illness. If you have concerns about your mental or physical health, please consult with a qualified professional.
Annie Martin - Annie Martin is a freelance writer specializing in songwriting, blogging, articles, music websites and more.
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