RADIO TRANSCRIPT
September 28, 2022
Brandi Silver

This is Brandi Silver, FCS agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center.  Our program today is about managing anxiety and stress.

Anxiety and stress affect everyone but can manifest differently in different people. There are ways to manage anxiety, even if it feels out of control. There are some physical and mental strategies you can do to help you when feeling anxious or stressed.

First, put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think? Accept that you cannot control everything and focus on the things you can control like daily exercise. Talk a walk and focus on breathing and your surroundings.

Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with a more neutral attitude. This is termed cognitive reconstruction. Instead of saying I'm going to fail, say I don't know if I am going to be able to do it, but I am trying my best.

Get enough sleep. Your body needs additional sleep and rest when stressed. Did you know many people suffer from sleep apnea and go undiagnosed for years? If you feel tired throughout the day, have loud snoring punctuated by episodes of silence, excess weight and heartburn, irritability, mood swings or personality changes, speak to your doctor about having a sleep study.

Seek treatment in dealing with anxiety and stress if it is hindering your daily productivity.

This has been Brandi Silver with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center reminding you to stay well and take care of each other.  For more information, contact us 764-9480.