Whether you're heading to an appointment with your general practitioner or are visiting an urgent care center because of a medical emergency, it can be easy to develop feelings of anxiety. Although the unknown nature of your appointment can initially be a little unnerving, it's important to remember that you're in the capable hands of a physician who is dedicated to your care. If you have a little trouble remembering this fact, you can focus on some simple relaxation methods that can help melt away your anxiety. Here are three ways to relax.

Breathe And Meditate

It can be an anxious time as you sit in the waiting room before the doctor sees you. For some people, the longer the wait, the more anxious they become. You can battle back against these feelings by practicing a variety of relaxation techniques. Focusing on your breath is an ideal way to relax. Sit quietly, close your eyes and observe as you inhale, hold your breath for a couple seconds and then exhale. As you exhale, imagine that you're releasing your worry. If you're open to meditation, a simple body scan can provide relaxation. Start at your feet, note if you're holding tension in this area and then release it. Continue this pattern throughout your body until you reach your head.

Decrease Your Water Intake

Although it might be tempting to sip from a water bottle to pass the time, doing so can actually contribute to higher blood pressure. Because stress can already cause a short-term increase in your blood pressure, excessive water intake -- especially if you're elderly -- isn't the best way to reduce your anxiety. Although you shouldn't dehydrate yourself before seeing the doctor, it's best to avoid nervously drinking too much water.

Share Your Concerns

There's no reason to keep your concerns hidden from the doctor. Doctors are expert communicators with ample training and experience in dealing with anxious patients. Share the nature of your concern with the doctor and you might find that the simple act of expressing your feelings makes you feel a little better. The doctor will listen to what you have to say and provide information that can help -- after all, not having all the facts is often a cause of worry. Although you shouldn't expect that your doctor will always tell you everything will be fine, he or she will do what it takes to reduce at least some of your anxiety.