Work is not always an easy place to go to, especially when you have anxiety. Coming from personal experience, it is not fun having to leave the workspace to have a panic attack and have to try to explain or come up with an excuse when you return. Here are some suggestions for how to lower and manage anxiety at work.

1. Stand up and walk around.

Get some blood flowing and some endorphins moving.

2. Chew gum.

I have found this to be a great help. It gives me something to do that keeps me from shaking. We are not allowed to chew gum where I work, but a note from my therapist grants me permission.

3. Communicate with management.

Managing my anxiety at work got much easier after I had a conversation with management. They know that if I am not taken care of, I will have panic attacks and nobody wants that. Let your supervisors and managers know what is going on and what can be done to help, and they will be glad to cooperate.

4. Slow down.

When there is a lot to do, it is easy to feel the need to rush, but rushing can be counterproductive. Lower the speed and take your time. Once you feel calm, everything will get done more smoothly.

5. Take deep breaths.

Inhale slowly and exhale slowly - let that oxygen really fill you with calm and push out the stress.

6. Go outside.

There is nothing like a breath of fresh air to remind you that the world is bigger than your worries, and it will not collapse if costumers are rude.

7. Drink water.

Water is always a good idea. A few sips of ice cold water can refresh your attitude and help you start over.

Everything is manageable and everything is do-able. You can do anything, anxiety or not!