Anxiety, the worry or fear of something yet to happen can be a physically and mentally debilitating. It is often difficult to diagnose properly because the symptoms of anxiety are also symptoms shared by other conditions, or symptoms that can occur without any condition at all. Studies show that the most effective way to combat anxiety is to take preventative action, to nip it in the bud, before it blooms into full-blown panic attack.

The key to making these habits effective is to practice them when you are feeling calm, relaxed and at ease. Whilst they may seem simple, make any one of the following seven techniques a regular habit and you will soon see an overall reduction in the instances and severity of your anxiety.

Effective Habit One - Breathe Deeply

Anxiety is directly related to rapid, shallow breathing that is 'high' in the chest. The opposite long slow, deep breathing from the pit of your stomach automatically calms the body. In practicing deep breathing you will become more aware of any changes in your breathing patterns which are often the first sign of increased anxiety.

Effective Habit Two - Set a focus for the day

Often anxiety is caused by the fear of something that might happen, so every day set yourself a small goal that would help to counteract the impending problem. This action will direct your thoughts and feelings away from worries and anxieties and direct then towards something more constructive positive.

Effective Habit Three - Keep a regular diary

Write down what's bothering you as the act of writing changes how you feel about a problem. The act of writing forces you to consciously think about the cause of the anxiety and it will never look quite as scary when you read it back in black and white. Writing is one of the most effective techniques to purge the problem that could affect you. When you have finished, you can always screw the paper into a ball and throw it away!

Effective Habit Four - Find reasons to be Cheerful

Reconnect with your sense of humour and find reasons to laugh. Look for the funny side of life as humour dispels this stress, worry and anxiety. Find time to watch your favourite comedy series or film to put anxiety behind you.

Effective Habit Five - Keep busy

An idle mind can be a breeding ground for anxious thoughts, so keep yourself busy, perhaps with habit two your goal for the day. Because keeping yourself occupied leaves you less time to think about that thing that may affect you.

Effective Habit Six - Get some outside help

A problem shared is a problem halved. Talking to someone who will listen is a good start. Alternatively many people find that listening to one of the many talking therapies available is very beneficial. Especially as many are available as mp3 downloads so you can have them on hand when you have some spare time.

Effective Habit Seven - Find time for exercise

Increasing the serotonin levels in your system is known to combat negative mood swings and exercise is great for increasing these positive levels. That said, you don't have to exercise for 20 minutes seven days a week, but you could, everyday, find a little thing that would help. For example consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator. To start the secret is to find a little change to your usual routine that will help.

There you have it seven habits known to dampen down feelings of anxiety, so which would you choose? Use any or all of these highly effective habits on a regular basis and start to overcome anxiety. Start now, choose one from the list and promise to use it tomorrow. Better still why not do it today? Right now, as there is never a better time to start to overcome anxiety.