By: Lili Martinez

Anxiety is a topic that most people feel yet hardly ever discuss. By definition, anxiety means a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Yes, this is true although it is a little deeper than a dictionary. I am aware of anxiety and know much about the uncontrollable parts of it. One might have even have dealt with anxiety and could very much be confused with stress.

Some signs of anxiety are panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, quick breathing, restlessness, or feeling tense, wound up and edgy. Yet, there is something much deeper to it than the physical. Thoughts of the unknown are terrifying but can be beaten. You are not alone. You will be okay.

It is much recognized that this feeling is hard to deal with so here are some things you can do to help fight this:

Take a time out. This can vary from a bath, working out, listening to music or going for a walk.

Accept the idea of imperfection. It is easy to think that everything you do is aimed for perfection, but this is not possible.

Use the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Place your tongue at the roof of your mouth right behind your front teeth, breathe through nose for a count of 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds and then exhale for 8 seconds.

There are many places to go and turn to in these times, ranging from close and trustworthy friends, family members, even online hotlines. Reach out to someone if you are concerned for yourself, others want you to feel better. It will get better. You will get better.