Five Easy Ways To Calm Your Anxiety Right Now

Write it out.

Writing out whatever is on your mind, no matter how big or small you think it is, can be an easier way of juggling the million thoughts running through your head. If you can't sleep, or have a lot to do at school or work, write it all out on a piece of paper. Doing a brain dump not only makes you feel better that you won't forget to do something (because you've written it down), it also feels like throwing out all the gunk in your head, which you can address later.

Alternate nostril breathing.

This one takes a while to get used to, especially since your body naturally wants to do more shallow breathing when you're stressed. Cover one nostril with your finger and deeply breathe in for a count of eight. Hold the air in for eight seconds, and then switch nostrils, holding down the other nostril, and breathing out on a count of eight. Not only does it slow you down but it makes you more conscious of your breathing!

Take a hot shower.

Seriously this one is simple yet works wonders. When you're anxious, your body can tense up, so relaxing those muscles will make you feel better. Hop into the shower and turn the water up to a nice, warm temperature. Play some music while you shower, or for an added relaxation, run a hot bath with eucalyptus or lavender sea salts.

Meditate and practice yoga.

You don't need to go to an instructor or even pay money for this one. Sit in the middle of your room, or wherever you feel comfortable, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Breathe in and breathe out. If you have thoughts that pop up in your head, acknowledge them but bring yourself back into your practice.

To get your body moving, try looking up yoga poses and exercises you can do. YouTube has amazing resources and people who can show you some of the common poses. Practice doing these for a few minutes a day (even 10 minutes of intentional breathing can make a difference) and increase your time when you feel like you have mastered the starting steps.

Pray.

When anxious, we're anticipating the future instead of living in the present. While anxiety can and is, for many, medical, it can also be a mental and spiritual answer to worry. So when you get anxious, pray and lay it all out. With whatever or whoever you believe in, asking for the strength and the answers, and even the guidance, in navigating every situation you run into. Even if you don't know what to pray for, opening up your heart can even bring some solace to know everything will be alright.