I survive out of pure anxiety!

Anxiety is a condition that anyone can experience no matter who they are. Even though it is often taken lightly, for someone with acute acid reflux like me, anxiety can become a vicious cycle that is hard to break.

_{Image edited using Canva}

So what kind of situation escalated my anxiety? The hardest situation for me is work-related stress. In my last job as a consultant, I faced extraordinary pressure that is almost indescribable.

Working under high demands, tight deadlines, and constantly having expectations piled on my shoulders. All of this happened late at night when my body should be resting, yet I was wide awake, wrestling with work papers, a laptop, and stacks of documents. Disorganized eating habits, smoking and excessive coffee consumption became my nightly companions.

_{Many studies have shown that work stress is closely linked to increased risks of anxiety and depression. Image source here}

The American Institute of Stress, for example, shows that about 83% of workers in the United States experience work-related stress, with 25% citing their job as the primary cause of their anxiety. This underscores how crucial it is to manage work stress effectively, something I failed to do in the past.

Currently, I am in the process of improving my lifestyle. Slowly but surely, I am reducing my coffee and cigarette consumption. Even though these already became my companions in dealing with workload demands, I realized they also significantly worsened my health condition.

We all know that coffee consumption could increase stomach acid production and exacerbate GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) symptoms. On the other hand, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking is a leading cause of various chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. I guess everyone already knows this common information.

_{On the psychological side, I am the type of person who adopts the que sera sera principle, or whatever will be, will be. This principle doesn’t mean I stop trying; it means I stop worrying about things beyond my control. Image source here}

Throughout my life, I’ve found that people who are more accepting of their circumstances tend to be happier and have lower levels of anxiety. I do the same, not overthinking things I cannot change. And boom! It makes me feel more at peace and focused on what I can do.

The recent thing that I have been practicing of late is the concept of stoicism, which encourages the handling of things that can be managed and acceptance of things cannot be changed. Stoicism is a virtue known to help with stress and anxiety according to Ryan Holiday, an author who currently has books on the subject.

What can I do to reduce this anxiety? Frankly speaking I am yet to deal with it. But I still have some strategies that I use in order to keep my anxiety under control. First of all, I have reduced my smoking.

_{Even though it is very difficult, it is crucial to limit the use of this substance for the sake of my body and mind. I also ensure I take a healthy diet by consuming real food, which is natural and minimally processed without chemical additives. Image source here}

For those who suffer from anxiety, I want to share a few messages as a fellow anxiety warrior. First, believe that most of the things which you are scared of will actually never happened. In fact, 85% of our worries never materialize, so why bother thinking about things that disrupt your life when most of them are just in your mind?

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain once said, "I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."

Second, stop gossiping. When we gossip, we unknowingly reflect our insecurities onto others, which can caused anxiety and even trigger feelings of inferiority. So, try focusing on yourself rather than others.

Third, avoid junk food. Junk food is not only bad for your physical health but also mental health. I have been a victim of junk food, and now I only consume it on cheat days, at most once a week. Don't think junk food is only found in fast food; snacks we often eat are also unconsciously junk food.

There are at least five types of junk food based on how they are processed:

1. Deep Fried
Foods fried in hot oil, like french fries, fried chicken, and tempura.

2. Baked Goods
Cakes, biscuits, and donuts are usually high in sugar and fat.

3. Microwaveable Foods
Foods prepared in the microwave, like buttered popcorn, frozen pizza, and frozen-ready meals.

4. Packaged Snacks
Packaged snacks like chips, biscuits, and candy.

5. Sugary Beverages
Packaged drinks like soda, juice with added sugar, and energy drinks.

_{I'm not saying you should never eat these. It's fine to consume them in moderation. Image source here}

Last but not least, don't hesitate to seek professional help. If you find your anxiety worsening and hard to handle alone, seeking help from a psychologist or psychiatrist could be the best solution.

Que sera sera, whatever will be, will be. Focus on what you can control, and enjoy life with gratitude and happiness.👯‍♂️