It might come as a surprise to you to learn that at least 1 in 5 new mothers struggles with postpartum anxiety. The “baby blues” are well-known, but not enough attention is paid to the stress caused by the reality of just how vulnerable your precious baby is.

Anxiety is a paradox. One minute, it can literally save your life. The next minute, it’s telling you elaborate, pernicious lies that can lure you into traps.

You've probably felt anxious before — it's a normal response to potential threats. Your heart races, you sweat, and your senses heighten as your body prepares to "fight or flee."

More often than not, anxiety attacks are a symptom of a diagnosed or untreated anxiety disorder. We are each gifted with a nervous system that is designed, in part, to keep us safe.

Whether it’s worrying about a particular situation or experiencing a full-blown panic attack, managing anxiety is a challenge many of us face today. Here are a few practical approaches to dealing with anxiety that you can start incorporating into your life.