Anxiety Countermeasures

The unacceptable self. There are other ways to think about anxiety. For example, anxiety often seems to be associated with some form of discomfort with the self. At some level, we fear that part of our essence, our true inner-self, is in some way flawed, wrong, or unacceptable. In response to our fear, we turn away from our inner-self. We hope, by not knowing who we are, we can avoid discovering our true wretchedness. Since information about the inner-self is almost constantly bubbling up into consciousness, we are almost constantly being threatened with self-discovery. That threat is experienced consciously as anxiety, our emotional warning signal.

To make matters even worse, our friends and acquaintances can become a threat. We fear that , sooner or later, they will discover our secret horrors and relegate us, along with the rest of the untouchables, to the outer fringes of human society. In a vain attempt to forestall our fate, we may begin to closely watch and control ourselves when we are around others... lest we give ourselves away. The life of a spy is an anxious one.

The antidote for all this is to forgive ourselves our imperfections; we need to learn that we are lovable, just as we are. Fortunately, there are many paths to that place.

What might help

A relaxing beach. Would you like to feel more relaxed? Right now? If you find the beach to be a relaxing experience, the relaxing beach exercise may help you.
Read a good self-help book.There are many good self-help books available in the Psychology section of your local bookstore. Go browse and pick one you like. One that I like is Joan Borysenko's Minding the body, mending the mind; it's filled with lots of good advice.
Visit your Doctor.Psychological distress can be generated by physical problems. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it's a good idea to have your doctor check your physical well-being. It may help you feel better, just knowing that there is nothing physically wrong with you. On those infrequent occasions when there is something physically wrong, your doctor can help.
Twice Daily Meditation. Set a timer for 15 minutes, and find a place with a straight-back chair where you can sit for the 15 minutes, undisturbed. Start your timer, close your eyes, and put your awareness on the sensations associated with air moving in and out of you, as you breathe normally. Allow yourself to focus on one of those sensations; perhaps the feelings in your nose, back of your mouth or tummy. When you become aware that an idea has captured your attention away from your breath, gently let the thought go, and return your awareness to the sensation of air moving in and out of your body.
Spirituality. Develop your spirituality in whatever way feels appropriate to you. You need to discover that you are loved and that the purpose of your life is to fully become the wonderful, heavenly creature you truly are.
Loose interest in yourself. Put your complete attention on some thing or one other than yourself. I understand that you are fascinating, and that you will need to repeatedly drag your attention away from yourself (be gentle). Your reward will be anxiety relief.
Work with a therapist. If all else fails, you can always contact a therapist. Anxiety is a common affliction and most therapists have considerable experience helping people put things in perspective. For emergency help, hot lines are available.