How should I cope up with the feeling of anxiety and having butterflies in stomach?

I am a mom of 2 kids one is 3 1/2 and the other one is 1. I am experiencing some behaviour and physcological issues with myself lately. If some one friend or relative invites me over to their house I get all nervous of going there. I get butterflies in my stomach and I get weird thoughts as what if they said some thing negative about me, about my family and even criticize my kids. Because of this attitude I am skiping out on all the invitations I get from familys and friends. For example on August 2, my sister in laws daughter’s engagement is taking place in a nice banquet hall. She invited me and everything and I am over here thinking of going some where else like out of town so I don’t have to face people or crowd…
I really need to figure out why this is happening..I was not like this before. I was very confident and everything..now I am not confident about my own skills..etc

We all know what anxiety feels like because it is a normal reaction to stress. An example of having an anxiety attack is when our heart pounds before a big presentation or trying something new. We get butterflies in our stomach during a blind date. We worry and fret over family problems or feel jittery at the prospect of asking the boss for a raise. It’s normal to worry and feel tense or scared when under pressure or facing a stressful situation. Anxiety is the body’s natural response to danger, it’s an automatic alarm that goes off when we feel threatened. However, if worries and fears are preventing you from living your life the way you’d like to, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder is a common chronic disorder that is characterized by long-lasting anxiety that is not focused on any object or situation. Those suffering from this disorder experience non-specific persistent fear and worry and become overly concerned with everyday matters. If you believe you may have anxiety disorder than you should speak to your physician to discuss the proper treatment for you. The good news is, with everyday anxiety there are several self-help strategies (not cures) that can help you reduce your anxiety symptoms and will help your begin to take back control of your life. I have lived with anxiety for years and I use to let it get the best of me until I choose to just live life. I want to share the top eight relaxation techniques that I use to help me manage my day and stay relaxed so I can enjoy life.

Step 1
The secret to managing anxiety lies in the root of where your anxiety comes from so know your triggers, if driving in traffic triggers your anxiety, find ways to change or delay driving so you aren’t in traffic. If a certain topic in a conversation triggers your anxiety then when that topic comes up politely excuse yourself and count to ten and breath slowly to help calm your nerves back down and get your heart beat back to its regular pace. If unable to walk away, try to slow your breathing and count in your head.

Step 2
Shutting your eyes is an important health regimen for your nervous system and helps regain balance and proper focus. The only time I recommend not using this technique is on the road (if you’re the one driving).

Step 3
Find some private time to let the nervous system regenerate. This can be challenging at work, or at home with kids that are as energetic as they are adorable. We all need some private time . Find your space anyway you can, even if it is a cozy chair in the corner of your bedroom. Be creative!

Step 4
Try to exercise. Consult your health care professional before you participate in an exercise program. Mild exercise like walking 30 min. a day may can have a positive effect on anxiety. On a nice day go for a walk through the park. Breath in the fresh air and enjoy!

Step 5
Listen to music because it has a very strong therapeutic influence on the mind. Put in your favorite CD while doing something relaxing like taking a hot bath/shower or just laying down. “Music is the healing force of the universe” a quote by Albert Ayler that I love to incorporate in my day.

Step 6
Learn to manage your time. Organizing your day will help you complete tasks more efficiently and clear the way for less stress in your life and for fewer anxiety attacks. For example make lists of things you need to accomplish during the day and finish them one at time so you don’t get over whelmed.

Step 7
Get a Massage as it provides deep relaxation. Self-massage is good for stress relief, but getting a massage from a professional can be immensely relaxing. Choose a nice day, clear up your schedule and go to the spa! Enjoy a massage, relax and just let your mind rest. A massage is an amazing technique for reducing anxiety.

Step 8
Change is as good as a rest. Life should not be a constantly repeating soap opera. If you find yourself stuck in the same routine everyday, do something completely different. For example, if you spend all your evenings watching NCIS or surfing the web, you will not get a feeling of real relaxation. Change things up, go to the movies, have game night (laughter is great for anxiety). Do some sporting activities, for example join a bowling league or a community co-ed softball team with your spouse. The change of scene and activity will help you relax and get away from the boredom and frustration of daily activities.

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