6 ways of managing anxiety at home

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life. It's a natural reaction to stressful or unfamiliar situations. Sometimes feelings of anxiety pass quickly. Other times they linger. If you're feeling anxious, try the following at-home methods for relief.

Get active. Exercise releases feel-good hormones like endorphins, which can alter your mood for the better. Walk your dog, dance, go for a run, play with your kiddos or try anything else that gets you moving. Meditation and deep breathing also can help.

Challenge your brain. Focusing on the present moment often helps ease anxiety. Puzzles, crosswords, word searches and other games can keep your thoughts from wandering.

Enjoy nature. Being outside has a calming effect. You don't have to climb a mountain to reap the benefits either. Just a quick walk through a park can have big payoffs when it comes to mindset.

Designate a workspace. If your job has shifted from an office setting to home, try to keep your work and home life separate. This may mean transitioning a room in your house to an office and closing the door when you're done for the day. Alternately, if you work in a more common area of your home, pack up your materials at the end of the day and put them away. This can help lessen anxiety stemming from your job.

Connect with loved ones. Sharing how you're feeling with supportive friends and family members can help decrease feelings of anxiety and loneliness. It's likely they've felt anxious about things in the past or may even be experiencing similar feelings. Call, text or email with those who are closest to you.

Pay attention. Be sure to listen to yourself and acknowledge when you're feeling anxious. Recognizing when your emotions are high can help you cope by signaling that it may be time to seek help. Depending on the level of your anxiety, that may mean trying one of the anxiety-relieving methods above or finding professional help.

Note: If you're suffering from overwhelming anxiety or anxiety is interfering with your work, relationships or other parts of your life, contact your primary care physician or a mental health expert for support. Great Rivers 2-1-1 also can help.