So I suffer from high trait anxiety, meaning I constantly worry about things that don't need to be worried about (always stressed) and have a feeling of dread aka I feel like I am going to die. Obviously this takes a toll on my body and interferes with school. The anxiety gets a lot worse when midterms and finals roll around. I need to find ways to relax and was wondering, what are some ways that you guys relax? It could be a bubble bath or just lying in bed listening to music. I find listening to tabla solos really relaxes me but would love other suggestions. Even things like, putting a plant in my room or something like that.

So I suffer from high trait anxiety, meaning I constantly worry about things that don't need to be worried about (always stressed) and have a feeling of dread aka I feel like I am going to die. Obviously this takes a toll on my body and interferes with school. The anxiety gets a lot worse when midterms and finals roll around. I need to find ways to relax and was wondering, what are some ways that you guys relax? It could be a bubble bath or just lying in bed listening to music. I find listening to tabla solos really relaxes me but would love other suggestions. Even things like, putting a plant in my room or something like that.

90% of responses will be of or related to cannabis/peyote. I would advise Music great obviousl, NFAK stuff, John Legend, old Michael Jackson (This one unreleased song 'The Way You Loved Me' is incredibly relaxing for me). I don't stress at all, so I don't have anything really useful but I would suggest building routines in your day to develop familiar tasks that you can take comfort in. One of my friends wit this issue got a fish and just used to watch it and the process of cleaning out the tank and feeding it helped him to clear his mind. Things like that, find something you enjoy that isn't stressful (aka bhangra teams) and just immerse in it

^ I know you said 90% will be related to Cannabis, but if Gurbir has nothing against it (I don't know if he does) then whats the problem.

Any smoke being inhaled in your lungs is bad but weed is not life threatening, if you have a issue with smoking then theirs always edibles. If your trying to relax and especially since you have anxiety then why not give it a try? You can do it the legal way by getting a medical card for your anxiety I know a guy who got one for "shoulder pain" which was a bunch of bull but you actually have a legitimate reason.

BUT, if you do got a problem and just don't want to be around that stuff then I understand.

All good pointers.

Don't like saying this but sometimes even being on a Bhangra team can be stressful, esp if you are in a leadership position. It's ok to take a healthy clean break from it all and immerse yourself in a new hobby. However, for some people it's the other way round, Bhangra is their refuge from everything else.

Surround yourself with calm people (and I don't mean potheads). If you are in the presence of people with calm personalities, it will help you relax as well.

Take breaks from whatever it is thats causing you anxiety. If you don't have a problem being distracted from your work or procrastinating, try watching a funny tv show like family guy or that 70s show while you are doing something that might cause anxiety like studying or working on anything, so that way you're not in 100% in hardcore seriously stressed out mode. Or just be mad organized. So you have more of a control on what you have to do. Also if you get an overwhelming feeling, try to just handle the situation as it comes so you know that when you're done you dont have to worry about it anymore. Like if you have a bill to pay pay it the second you get it so you know its outta the way. Hope that was of even a little help. :S

i personally recommend breathing.

Bhangra's what keeps me sane. Well, that and FIFA. And maybe p90x when my feet are hurting and I need a break from bhangra.

A good sweat seems to always do it for me.

see a therapist. Therapy helps. Medications help.

i saw a guy, 2 weeks ago, had a pseudo seizure as a result of his anxiety. it can get bad. its not something you should feel weird seeking help for if it is debilitating or detrimental to your health...

(now that i've made my plug for psychiatry, on to pediatrics next week )

We are a stressed out bunch.

Wow... I could hug you right now. I went through a really bad spell almost exactly one year ago. My anxiety was through the roof and I fell victim to being a hypochondriac; as a result I became really depressed. I normally am a very happy, healthy gal, but my stress level at that time in my life got so high it spiraled me into an extremely dark place. It lasted about 4 months. I am so sorry you have to deal with this on a more regular basis- I know from experience just how horrible it can be.
 
Something that doesnt help anyone dealing with anxiety is worry. I over analyze a lot so naturally I tend to worry - most of the time I brush it off,  but when stress accompanies it it becomes more serious. With that said, I would avoid things that cause you to over analyze...
 
Being active in sports/dance can help you keep your mind off of things so keep doing that sort of thing if it is currently in your schedule.

Yes music is magical and I highly recommend it, but steer clear of songs with deep meaning (unless of course they are uplifting). It's smart to avoid anything that triggers you to worry about "what ifs" and things. I would even stay away from intense documentaries or a lot of the news stories during your exam time- just focus on your school work and put your rose colored glasses on for the rest of the world to help you get through exams while keeping your sanity in tact. Eliminate the unnecessary "noise"

BREATHING is the best thing for you as far as helping you mentally relax and taking tension/anxiety away physically. Once my anxiety got to an extreme level that I had a panic/parasthesia attack and had to be rushed to the ER because I swore I was having a stroke! I clung to breathing exercises after that.

Meditation and prayer helps a lot as well.

I would steer clear of using any substances. I'd also be careful to not take too many over the counter drugs i.e. if you catch a cold, try to flush it out naturally and stay away from any medication.
 
And with allllll that said- look into talking to some one. Therapy can be an extremely healing thing. And after a while, your friends and loved ones can only listen to you and your worries so much before they add to the problem and tell you youre being paranoid, have OCD or are just plain annoying. Even your MD doctors will get weary of you, believe me LOL. A little bit of mental therapy can go a long way.
 
PM me if you want to know more about what I went through and what helped. And of course, I am all ears to listen to everything going on with you. Theres more to it than what I just wrote... all of the above sounds like a cake walk in comparison to how things really can get.