Some may say that the way you think can give you an edge in life. But the way I think puts me ON the edge...and that's due to anxiety. I have struggled with the fact that I even have anxiety, and wrestled even more with how to handle it. It's taken me a long time to accept that I have anxiety. I learned that it's completely normal and many people are diagnosed with anxiety.

"Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment."

It's a chemical imbalance. And it's not something that I can help, but it is something that I can learn to control. Here are some tips and tricks to help with your anxiety. It's important to remember that there are many different types of anxiety. Everyone's anxiety affects them differently, so try and twist suggestions to fit yourself to get the best benefit!

1. SLEEP

Sleep is a natural cure-all. I swear by it. Sleep can help you think clearly. If you're running on a good night's sleep it's so much easier to control your anxiety. Sleep is important not only to your physical health, but your mental health, too! PLUS! It gives you more energy to do things... Hello, motivation!

2. Breathe

Just breathe. Focus on your breath. Imagine yourself inhaling the blue air, and exhaling the golden air. Visualize the colors, and count your breaths. Not only will it occupy your thoughts and take your mind off of your anxiety, but it will help you calm down, too.

3. Count

Counting can help to occupy your brain too! When I can't sleep and the thoughts are just TOO much, I count backward from one hundred. Sometimes the thoughts just go in cycles, and it's anything I can do to stop it. Focusing and visualizing the numbers helps me to clear my head.

4. Limit caffeine and alcohol

It sucks, I know. I love my McDonald's Coke as much as the next girl, but it really does help to cut it out of your diet. Caffeine and alcohol are known to aggravate anxiety and trigger anxiety/panic attacks. And you don't have to cut it TOTALLY out, just try to minimize it!

5. Mindfulness

Meditate. Do it. Be mindful of your body, your brain, and your attitude. Focus on your breathing. Quiet your mind. Accept all of the swirling chaos, and put it away for now. Put it away to look at later, that way you're in your best mind to handle and control your anxiousness. Be present and aware of yourself and your surroundings.

6. Read

Reading can move you to a whole other place. For me, reading lets me put myself in someone else's shoes, and I can forget about all of those pesky worries.

7. Go outside

Being in the sunlight! Even just 15 minutes can help you. Emerge yourself in nature. Draw outside, read outside, or just lay outside and take a nap. Breathe in that fresh air and feel the sun on your face! Also, if you haven't seen this hilarious nature video to get you motivated for the outdoors, I totally suggest it. Go on that NEATURE WALK!

8. Watch TV

I LOVE CARTOONS! I recommend Bob's Burgers. It's uplifting and hilarious. Bob's Burgers always leaves me feeling happy and in a good mood.

And most importantly...

Just relax. Everything is going to be okay. Lean on your friends and family. Don't go through it alone, because you're not alone!