- We interviewed an expert
- Specifically: what to do to overcome anxiety
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In a fast-paced world full of stimuli, it's not uncommon for many of us to experience anxiety and a noticeable lack of focus.
To better understand how we can address these challenges, we spoke with Dr. Alejandro Fernández, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience.
We interviewed an expert
1. Practice Mindfulness
"Mindfulness," explains Dr. Fernández, "is a powerful technique to anchor our minds in the present, helping us reduce anxiety." According to the expert, dedicating a few minutes a day to this practice can significantly improve our quality of life. "It's like exercising a muscle; the more you practice it, the better you become at maintaining your focus."
2. Regular Exercise
Exercise benefits not only our body but also our mind. "Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which act as the brain's natural painkillers, reducing stress levels," points out Fernández.
3. Establish Routines
For those struggling with lack of focus and anxiety, establishing routines can be a lifesaver. "Routines provide us with a sense of structure and predictability," says the doctor. "Knowing what to expect can calm our anxious minds."
4. Breathing Techniques
A simple yet effective tool we all have at our disposal is conscious breathing. "By deeply focusing on your breath, you can achieve a calmer mental state," says Fernández.
5. Limit Stimulant Consumption
"Reducing or eliminating stimulants like caffeine can have a significant positive impact on your anxiety levels," warns Fernández. Although it may seem challenging at first, the benefits are clear and tangible.
6. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Finally, when it comes to professional treatments, CBT stands out for its effectiveness against anxiety and focus-related issues. "CBT works by changing negative thinking patterns... It helps people confront their fears," explains the professional.
The consensus among experts is clear: although we face complex challenges as a society and as individuals, there are proven techniques to effectively overcome them. "There's no one-size-fits-all solution," Fernández points out before concluding our interview; "but by combining these strategies according to your personal needs, you can find significant relief."
Specifically: what to do to overcome anxiety
1. Taking a break may seem like we are wasting time, but it is actually a wise strategy to realign our path. Sometimes, despite our constant efforts without seeing concrete results, stopping for 10 minutes to an hour could be just what we need to revitalize ourselves. This pause allows us to relax our mind and refresh before continuing with our activities.
Although it may feel like a step back, this break can increase our productivity by the end of the day.
2. Worrying about everything during work hours is senseless; remember there will be a suitable time for that later. Similarly, when something excites you a lot, like a new series or music album, remember it will be waiting for you after finishing your current responsibilities.
Keep your focus firm on the present goal.
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10 suggestions to overcome anxiety, nervousness, and distress 3. Breaking tasks into smaller parts can be tremendously effective in the face of daily demands. If you feel overwhelmed by all the day's tasks, try breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps.
Focusing on one aspect at a time is crucial to succeeding without succumbing to stress. Start with the most urgent; after completing it, move on to the next item on your agenda.
You can't handle everything simultaneously; divide and conquer by being realistic about your daily capabilities.
4. Talent and luck are needed to achieve success, but working hard is even more crucial. Clearly define your goals, firmly believing in your ability to achieve them; if you do this correctly, you will be making wise decisions towards success.
Achieving these goals will fill you with personal pride.
5. There is no reason to self-flagellate.
If you feel you are falling behind, understand that it is not always your fault if circumstances have changed since the last decision made. Taking responsibility for your past actions and trying to improve them will be key going forward.
Falling behind does not mean definitively failing; seeking viable solutions will be crucial. Accepting our mistakes is part of the human process since no one is exempt from making mistakes.
The important thing is to focus on making better decisions now for a promising future.
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When you are scared of your future, remember that the present matters more 6. You don't always need to be at 100%, especially during difficult times when everything seems overwhelming. We understand that under these circumstances, you will want to avoid overloading yourself or setting unattainable goals.
If you are going through a complicated period, allow yourself to rest without regrets.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish, nor does it mean laziness to allow yourself additional moments of rest when they are genuinely necessary.
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