Simple ways you can manage anxiety

Tuesday, 23 May 2023 09:35

Anxiety is something most people will experience in their lives and is in fact a very normal human emotion, yet sometimes those feelings of intense worry can get out of control and escalate into something bigger.

With Mental Health Awareness Week recently behind us it's a good time to reflect on some simple anxiety management techniques by connecting with nature.

Sussex is full of beautiful walking spots, nature trails and scenery so what better place in the UK is there to get outside and connect with nature?

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues and it's a natural human response that when we feel that we are under threat – anxiety kicks into play almost like our own internal ‘alarm’ system.

A recent mental health survey by the Mental Health Foundation showed that a quarter of adults surveyed said they felt so anxious that it stopped them from doing the things they want to do some or all of the time. Sixty per cent of the adult population feel this way at least some of the time.

On a positive note, anxiety can be manageable, and connecting with nature is one of simplest, and most enjoyable ways to help tackle the issue. Below, we've outlined a few of our best tips for helping to manage anxiety with a connection to nature.

Senses:

Tune into nature through your senses; go into your garden or local park and listen to the sound of birds, listen to the sound of the sea or the trickling of a stream, take a stroll through a green space and notice what you can see, hear, smell and touch (taste may be a bit more difficult!)

Emotion:

Connect to your inner self through the emotions and feelings nature brings; go for a walk, run or cycle on one of the 3,300km public footpaths in the South Downs National Park and breathe deeply, feeling the calming breeze on your face or forest bathe – spend an hour or so in peaceful woodland and notice how your sense of urgency diminishes and calmness develops!

Notice the beauty:

Luckily in Sussex, we’re spoilt for beauty; why not head to a stunning location and soak up the picturesque views, such as St Catherine’s Hill, Butser Hill, Devil’s Dyke, Kingley Vale or Ditchling Beacon, or you could go to one of the National Park’s many chalk grassland or heathland sites and look to see how much wildlife you can spot.

More from Features

Home Style: Seeing the Light

George and Christopher Stephenson left the rat race of London for a life in the south-east countryside, transforming a dark and dated Grade-II listed farmhouse
Step out for St Catherine’s Hospice

St Catherine’s Hospice popular Midnight Walk is bouncing back to the streets of Horsham on Saturday 8 June, Adele Trathan explains how readers can get involved
If You Ask Me... This is Beyoncé Country

This month, Flo Whitaker considers a recent showbiz altercation and asks, “If a black woman from Texas can’t make a country album - who can?”
Artelium Wine – Crafted in Sussex

As the Sussex wine industry continues to expand and lead the way for the rest of the UK it is heartwarming to find a winery that’s producing award winning wines of outstanding quality, so we sent Robert Veitch to find out more
Homes Extra: Expanding Space

If you need some extra space in your home but do not want to shoulder the burden and expense of moving, then look to a small extension or home improvement, says Sara Whatley
Homes for Ukraine: Opening Your Home and Your Heart

As the conflict in the Ukraine continues, Homes for Ukraine scheme is still keen to hear from people that are interested in hosting a Ukrainian guest, as Paul Crompton from East Sussex County Council explains
Another New Clinic For Sussex Audiology

Sussex Audiology has added to its Haywards Heath offering with a brand new high-street clinic. Hanna Prince drops in to learn about the vital importance of healthy hearing
The Joy of the Repair Café

Volunteers are central to the success of Repair Cafés across Sussex, so we sent Nicola Coughlin along to Lindfield Repair Cafe to talk to volunteers about their valuable contribution
Wills & Wakes

Sara Whatley spoke to Melanie Hodson, Head of Information Support at Hospice UK about how to talk openly and honestly about death and dying
Lighten the Technology Overload

In this fast-paced technological world it's easy to feel intimidated and over-whelmed. So we sent James Forryan to speak to Richard Long of Absolute Solutions about keeping up to date and protected in the cyber world
An Unlikely Retirement

Hove resident Sylvia Holder tells Sara Whatley the inspiring story of how she set up her charity, The Venkat Trust, when she should have been kicking back in her retirement
COMPETITION: Win A Two-Night Stay At The View Hotel With Afternoon Tea For Two

Subscribe to Sussex Living's free digital edition and we'll enter you into our draw to win a beautiful two-night stay for two at The View Hotel on Eastbourne seafront, along with breakfast and a lovely afternoon tea...
What to Watch in April 2024

Our monthly guide to all the best film and television coming your way in April...
Bucket List Travel Experiences

Many of us dream of the opportunity to tick off travel experiences that are on our wish list, here Lisa de Silva explores ideas to help create and refine the perfect trip of a lifetime
Homes Extra: An Easter Home

Be inspired this Easter and fill your home with bright and beautiful decorations, says Sara Whatley
NEW COMPETITION: Win A Luxury Hamper For National Pet Day

To celebrate National Pet Day Today (April 11), we're offering you the chance to win a luxury hamper of treats for your pet - just have a go at our Facebook competition!
Home Style: Time to Heal

After losing her husband, Tracy Nors threw all her energies into renovating a period terrace in the pretty town of Rye
Be Well, Move Happy: Meditation and Movement

Join Sara Whatley in stretching your mind and stretching your body as she looks at the practices of meditation, yoga and other similar movements
Experiential Travel: Take your trip to the next level

Travel and holidays take many forms and this month Lisa de Silva investigates opportunities to take travel to another level for a full and authentic experience
Living the Dream with Eridge Green Kitchens

A love of wood and making things has been prevalent in Rob Wheeler’s life since he was a boy, leading eventually to the creation of Eridge Green Kitchens. With business booming and a new showroom on the horizon we sent Robert Veitch to meet the man who is living his dream

Simple ways you can manage anxiety

Senses:

Emotion:

Notice the beauty:

Share

More from Features