THE WORLD ISN’T ENDING 3 STRATEGIES TO REDUCE ANXIETY
When most people think of anxiety, they likely have negative connotations tied to it. Many make the assumption that anxiety will always lead to panic attacks and fears of major change, but just about anything can generate feelings of anxiety, and not all of them are harmful. However, if your anxiety stops you from doing something, it can hinder you almost every day.
in perspective. JAMA Internal Medicine published an article stating that practicing mindfulness can help ease feelings of anxiety, depression, and pain. You can meditate by following a guided meditation or silently sitting in a quiet area and breathing slowly. While meditating will be challenging at first, it will become easier with practice. FACE ANXIETY HEAD-ON Many people try to avoid anything that could make them feel anxious. While this method may make you feel short-term comfort, it can cause you to be more anxious about specific scenarios. The best strategy to overcome anxiety is to face it head-on. Although it will be uncomfortable and challenging, don’t let it stop you! The more you put yourself out there, the less anxious you’ll feel. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for! Please contact your health care provider if you’re worried about the anxious feelings you get. They can assist you with identifying your triggers, why anxiety is occurring, and methods you can use to reduce your symptoms.
In honor of May being National Anxiety Month, here are three ways to reduce your anxiety.
DAILY EXERCISE Physical activity can increase your self-confidence, improve your mood, help you relax, and lower anxiety symptoms. You don’t have to do anything significant — you can go for a walk, take a hike, conduct at-home workouts, go to the gym for at least 30 minutes, or participate in yoga or Pilates. MEDITATE Sometimes, taking a step back, focusing on your breathing, and letting your thoughts flow in one ear and out the other can help you put things
Gone Without a Trace Post-Cancer, Betty Looks Better Than Ever
Betty met Dr. Scott when her ophthalmologist became concerned about a mole on her lower eyelid. “He came highly recommended,” Betty emphasizes. “My doctor gave me three names but told me to try to book Dr. Scott first if I could.” She scheduled her first appointment with Dr. Scott to take a biopsy. The biopsy was “an uncomfortable situation,” Betty says, “because someone is working on your eye, but you can’t see it or feel it. But Dr. Scott was very calm and confident and talked to me throughout the whole procedure.” Unfortunately, the biopsy identified the mole as basal cell carcinoma. Dr. Scott referred her to an experienced Mohs surgeon to remove the cancerous cells. “The office set everything up,” Betty says. “I was very nervous, but I appreciated that Dr. Scott didn’t beat around the bush. Sometimes, doctors make things sound better, so you don’t worry, and you’re ultimately faced with a situation you’re unprepared for but Dr. Scott wasn’t like that at all.” After the Mohs surgeon removed the cancer, Dr. Scott’s team placed her under anesthesia to reconstruct the area. “He worked on that little area of my eye for two hours,” Betty says. “He’s so meticulous, and he said he was very pleased with the results.”
As for her recovery, Betty says, “The most uncomfortable thing was the eye patch because it literally covers half your face!” But Dr. Scott explained that the compression was a vital part of the healing process and advised her to keep it on as long as possible before her follow-up appointment.
“Dr. Scott is really funny,” Betty says. “He has a dry sense of humor. He said, ‘Don’t take the patch off and put it back on — I’ll be able to tell!’”
Roughly one month after having her stitches removed, Betty says, “I am so amazingly pleased with his work. All my family members and friends can’t believe how good it looks! Dr. Scott must be very talented to do all that work in such a tiny space.” But Dr. Scott wasn’t the only one who impressed her. “From the receptionist to the nurses and the surgical coordinator, everyone was so efficient, and they made it so easy. Everyone who supports Dr. Scott is equally professional. You couldn’t ask for a better experience, and I can’t recommend them enough.”
2 EyePlasticMD.com
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