Exposure to prolonged anxiety and stress can lead to a weakened immune system and heart problems. You might also suffer from headaches and feel nauseous. When an anxiety attack strikes, it can leave a person helpless. It is important to identify the cause of anxiety, and how you can help yourself relax.

Here are 5 popular ways that you can try to relax yourself.

1. Learn to relax. Schedule a time slot where you can do anything you want, be it listening to music, jogging, playing tennis or even reading a book. You can also make time for your friends by having dinner, movies or simply chill. You can never finish your work, so be sure to take a step back from time to time and give yourself some breathing space.

2. Eating the right foods. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugars and caffeine. They place stress on your adrenal glands, which regulate your body's response to stress. Increase your intake of foods that contain Vitamins B & C, magnesium and zinc. They help to support your adrenal health. Vitamin B is found in eggs, fish, yogurt and bananas. Most fruits are rich in Vitamin C. Magnesium is found in almonds, peas and bean curds. Zinc is found mostly in oysters, lean meat, seeds and eggs.

3. Breathing right. Learn to control your breathing pattern so that it allows your mind to relax. Try this when you feel nervous. In a comfortable position, take a deep breath through your nose and count to 5. Exhale completely through your mouth to a count of five. Repeat the whole cycle until you are relaxed.

4. Drinking chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has a relaxing effect. Take a cup every morning. Sweeten if necessary.

5. Using essential oils. Essential oils such as Lavender, Ylang Ylang & Frankincense can help to alleviate stress. Add a few drops to bath water, or simply use an aromatherapy diffuser.

Learn to overcome panic attacks here.