Which of the following best describes a common coping strategy for anxiety?

Utilization of breathing techniques is a common coping strategy for managing anxiety because focused breathing exercises help to activate the body's relaxation response, thereby reducing symptoms of anxiety. These techniques can help slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and induce a state of calmness, making it easier for individuals to cope with their feelings of anxiety. Breathing exercises, such as deep diaphragmatic breathing or the 4-7-8 technique, encourage mindfulness and bring attention away from anxious thoughts, centering the mind on the act of breathing itself.

In contrast, avoidance of stressors may temporarily alleviate anxiety but can lead to increased anxiety in the long run, as it prevents individuals from facing their fears. Engagement in compulsive behaviors often serves as a maladaptive method of coping, where individuals feel compelled to perform certain actions to relieve anxiety, rather than addressing the root cause. Overthinking potential outcomes can exacerbate anxiety by amplifying worry and focusing on negative possibilities rather than practical coping strategies.