Are your stress levels causing your anxiety symptoms? With modern living we are all overworked, overwhelmed and over-stressed. One of the best ways to help stop anxiety attacks is to chill out, take a step back and learn to relax a little more often.

Working at my desk, I sometimes forget how many hours I spend without getting outside at all - I've still a lot to learn about looking after myself and giving myself even more good experiences.

Clean bed sheets, hot baths, good books, laughter and my cat are important positives in my life. They are easy to take for granted or overlook, but now that I have woken up to myself a little more, I can appreciate those things and make sure they are integrated into my life on a regular basis to cheer, calm or recharge. Think about those things which particularly give you pleasure. They may be some of those same things I enjoy. Whatever they are, make sure you now include as many as you can, as regularly as you need to.

I talk a lot about the importance of relaxation, but it will do no harm to mention it again. We can too easily press through each day only to collapse exhausted into our beds at night, even then without being fully relaxed. This used to be the case with me. A few seconds relaxation throughout the day can really help keep those anxiety symptoms down.

Imagine you have been carrying two huge weights around, one in each hand, then let them go. This is a quick way to get you into a more relaxed pose, but deep relaxation may help further. Contact your local adult education institute to see if they run any classes there, or your doctor may know of some. S/he may also be able to recommend a meditation class. These can be very helpful in learning how to stop anxiety attacks and calm mind and body into deep relaxation.

Exercise isn't everyone's idea of fun, but even I have to admit it is important in helping our bodies stay in good working order and reduce stress levels and anxiety symptoms. Competitive sport could be counterproductive, but gentle movements such as in yoga may be more suitable and less stressful on your delicately balanced system, especially since exercise can provoke attacks in some people, so go easy.

If you can handle more vigorous exercise, it will help burn off excess adrenalin and other anxiety-related biochemical residues. Exercise not only invigorates but also calms and improves your sense of well-being. Think about the benefits that a regular exercise routine could bring into your lifestyle.