10 deep questions to ask yourself when you feel tension

  1. What is the source of my tension?
  2. What can I do differently to cope today that I have not tried before?
  3. What are my thoughts and feelings related to this tension?
  4. How do I cope with this tension? How might I have reacted in the past?
  5. What is making me feel out of control or powerless right now?
  6. What is it that's bothering me the most right now?
  7. What am I scared of?
  8. Is there someone else that's contributing to my tension today?
  9. Is there anything that I can do to change my thoughts and feelings about this trigger?
  10. Am I worried about anything in particular?

9 tips on how to deal with tension

  1. Take some time alone and apply some cream or lotion on your hands and feet before going to bed at night for a relaxing feeling.
  2. Take a timeout.
  3. Practice deep breathing techniques.
  4. One way to release tension is through exercise, so find a club or gym you like and stick to it.
  5. Music can have an calming effect on people, so find some soothing music you enjoy and listen to it when you're feeling tense.
  6. Do relaxation exercises for muscle tension.
  7. Cultivate social support and connection with others.
  8. Consider seeking professional counseling if you need more immediate help with unresolved emotional trauma.
  9. Another way to help release tension is through taking a hot bath or shower.

How tension affects you

Anxiety is often described as a feeling of tension, but it is more than just that. There are many different types of anxiety, such as general anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by chronic and excessive worry about future events, which may be accompanied by physical discomfort, feelings of restlessness or on-edge mindfulness, irritability, and insomnia.