If you live with anxiety and are also highly sensitive to things, people and environments, it can cause additional and extreme stress; here’s how to manage:
#1 Recognize what overwhelms you
It’s important to understand and be aware of what overwhelms you. You may be sensitive to things, people, or environments that cause you stress, that may not bother other people. Don’t be hard on yourself for your emotions; instead try to manage your levels of stress by recognizing your triggers. Knowledge is power; you can decide whether to go out into a crowded mall if you’re not feeling your best.
#2 Control your thinking
When you have panic attacks or general anxiety disorder, you may be prone to racing thoughts, usually on the negative side. Stand back as the observer and recognize the role your negative thoughts play in causing you stress. When you’re depressed, these thoughts will be dark and critical and if you are a sensitive person, you could be replaying that loop over and over. As the observer, try to find ways to control this thinking.
#3 Take care of you
It’s extremely important if you have anxiety and are also sensitive to the energies and emotions of others, to take care of yourself first. Do things that will boost your confidence and self-esteem. When you notice that you’re feeling excited, angry or anxious, you can learn to recognize how your body reacts to these feelings, again as an observer. Besides a healthy diet and exercise (especially outside in nature), meditation, massage and deep breathing are all beneficial.

via Esperanza – Hope To Cope
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