A: Anxiety can be very tough and very debilitating, especially when you can’t reason with yourself. One thing you can do is take a selenium supplement (200 mcg) preventatively, to help with your anxiety. Having a magnesium supplement on board can help as well.
When getting into a situation where you’re really anxious, there are a few different strategies you can try.
For example, if other people are making you anxious, try stepping aside for a minute, and take some time to think about all the things that make you proud of being you, that make you happy, that make you calm, and that bring joy to your life. Then, draw a circle on your hand and imagine these positive thoughts forming the circle. Imagine that the people who are making you anxious and insecure, are trying to come into your circle. Having a little circle drawn on your hand can remind you that you need to stay inside of your circle, be yourself, and not let others influence you.
Other strategies include doing some deep breathing and slowing down. Take a minute to notice the things around you, then think about the things you’re smelling, the things you’re seeing, and the things you’re touching. Focus on any kinds of sensations that you may be feeling.
Also try rationalizing with yourself. For example, if you start thinking, “If I do this, the plane is going to crash; I’m on a plane and it’s going to crash!”, take a minute to ask yourself, “Is that rational? No, it’s not rational because I know that plane crashes are very rare. It’s safer to get on a plane than it is to get on a car.”