How to reduce anxiety

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1. BE AWARE of the foods you are eating:
   Particular foods you eat may not make you feel very good in the long run. Fast food, processed and sugary foods can all drastically influence your mood. Stick to fresh fruits and vegetables as much as you can.

2. ELIMINATE/REDUCE caffeine:
   coffee, dark chocolate, black tea, and energy drinks are all high in caffeine. Caffeine is probably one of the most important things you can eliminate or reduce from your diet to help with your anxiety.

3. ELIMINATE/REDUCE alcohol:
   The hangover after alcohol consumption can increase anxiety levels, and an "on edge feeling" can accompany the following days.

4. ELIMINATE/REDUCE sugar:
   The highs and lows sugar creates have a strong effect on moods and anxiety levels (sugar is hidden in many foods so try to read food labels).

5. USE essential oils:
   Calming oils such as lavender can help create a relaxing effect on the body. You can use essential oils in baths or rub them on the soles of your feet and temples of your head.

6. DRINK plenty of water:
   Keeping hydrated gives your body the best fuel. Herbal tea such as chamomile also has a calming effect on the body and is great right before bed.

7. BREATHE:
   Be conscious of your breathing at different points throughout the day and take long deep breaths in and out.

8. GET RID OF excess energy:
   Exercising and moving will help rid the body of the build up of toxic energy. Play your favourite sport, take up yoga or put on your favourite song and dance with the intent of moving that negative energy out of your body.

9. CREATE your own sanctuary:
   Our environment has a large impact on the way we operate and feel day to day. Find a safe space where you can just be. Whether it is amongst nature, a close friend's house, the library or your own backyard.

10. LOVE:
    Focus on the energy of love and the loving energy of those around you. Constantly remind yourself that you love yourself, unconditionally.

11. BE PRESENT:
    Constantly bring yourself back to the present moment. Remember, if you are anxious you are living in the future. An excellent book to read to aid in this is "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. It's a life changer.

12. ACCEPT AND LET GO :
    Do not try to resist the unpleasant feelings but instead feel yourself accepting and letting go of the anxiousness. Imagine yourself riding the wave of your emotions.

Just know that everything is going to be okay. This is something you are experiencing because for whatever reason you need to experience it. Through hard times it is where we often grow the most. Always remember, you are loved.