Anxiety is actually different from stress. Anxiety is rooted in a belief that you do not have any control over circumstances that are affecting your life or, if you did have control then you somehow lost it.

Although anxiety is different from stress it is often rooted in stressful events.  For example, if you experience workplace stress, because of a difficult supervisor, for example, you may develop anxiety because you feel that there is no solution to this stress other than quitting your job.  The thought of quitting your job leads to more stress as you begin to worry about how you will live and pay your bills and this, in turn, compounds your anxiety.  Stress and anxiety are a dual slipper slope that can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide, and a host of stress-related illnesses.

Many doctors will prescribe a drug treatment to control anxiety.  Others may recommend hypnosis.  Many health care professionals believe, however, that these treatments mask the symptoms but do not eliminate the cause.  How then can you deal with anxiety straight on?  The best way is to regain control over your thoughts, emotions, and body.  here are some drug-free tips for stress anxiety problems:

Control your breathing when you feel an anxiety attack coming on.  breathe slowly, deeply, and feel the calming effect that the increased oxygen has on you.

Keep your thoughts positive and focus on what CAN be done about a particular anxiety-causing situation, not on what can not be done.

DOn't use caffeine or other stimulants.  The increased pulse rate, and other stimulating affects, tend to increase the effects of anxiety.

Listen to relaxing music.  Music calms the savage beast, and it dies a darn good job of calming us as well.

Avoid sugary and fried foods.  Avoid "fast foods".  Create a diet that is low in fat and complex carbohydrates. Eat lots of natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Get exercise. Walk, jog, run, play tennis, go bowling even.  the goal is to release stress and control anxiety by working out the kinks in your muscles and elevating your heart rate.

Believe it or not, there is a reason for anxiety and, in controlled doses, it is good for you.  If you are walking in a strange area, about to turn a corner, and you suddenly get a fearful feeling that you don't belong on that street -- that's anxiety jumping up to protect you.  learn to control anxiety.  Use its good nature and shun its bad.  You'll be happier and healthier as a result.

Be the master of your thoughts, not their servant.