Anxiety is a problem that affects millions of people. It is normal to have anxiety from time to time. However, anxiety sucks and can have an adverse effect on your life. The good news is that there are many ways that you can manage it.
When your anxiety sucks, try the following…
Deep Breathing
When you are anxious, you breathe faster than normal. Your breaths are also more shallow than normal. That is why I recommend deep breathing. Breathing helps slow down your heart rate and helps you relax. It also helps you clear your mind.
You can use the 4 4 5 technique. You can take four breaths in and four breaths out. Do this for five minutes.
Stay Active
One of the best things that you can do if you have an anxiety is to stay active. I recommend that you exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days out of the week. Regular exercise helps improve your physical and emotional health. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. The endorphins help naturally boost your mood.
Not only does exercise provide short-term relief for anxiety, but it can also provide you with long-term relief. In fact, the anxiety-relieving benefits of exercise can last for several hours.
The key to getting the most out of exercise is to select exercises that you will enjoy. Walking, cycling and dancing are some of the exercises that you can do. You may find that it is helpful for you to take a short walk when you are feeling anxious.
Write Down Your Thoughts
I have found that journaling is helpful. Writing down the things that makes you anxious can help you alleviate your anxiety. Journaling is something that you do every day.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol
I make sure that I avoid drinking alcohol. It can be tempting to drink alcohol, but it can worsen your anxiety. It may help you calm down for a little while, but the anxiety will come back with a vengeance once the buzz is gone. Additionally, if you are relying on alcohol to curb your anxiety, then this can lead to dependency.
Stop Smoking
Many people are tempted to grab a cigarette when they are feeling anxious. Anxiety sucks, but it should not drive you to smoke. Smoking may seem like a quick fix, but it can actually make you more anxious. Studies have shown that the chemicals in the cigarette can alter pathways in the brain that regulate mood.
Talk to a Therapist
Talking to a therapist was one of the best things that I have ever done for my mental health. It allowed me to freely express myself and talk about what was bothering me. That is why I recommend that anyone go to therapy.
Your therapist can help you come to terms with things that are causing you to feel anxious. They can also give you tips for managing your anxiety. One of the many great things about therapy is that you don’t even have to leave your house to get it. You can go to https://www.betterhelp.com for more information.
Get Some Sleep
I have found that I am more anxious when I don’t get enough sleep. That is why it is important for you to get the proper amount of sleep. If you are not getting enough sleep, then there are several things that you can do to improve it.
You may want to avoid taking naps during the day and only sleep when you are tired. You should also avoid watching television while you are in the bed. Furthermore, you will need to avoid using your tablet or phone while you are in the bed.
Avoid consuming caffeine too close to bedtime. Additionally, you will need to go to bed around the same time every night.
Eat a Healthy Diet
There is a direct link between diet and anxiety. If you eat foods with a lot of sugar, artificial flavorings and preservatives, then you will be more likely to experience mood swings. Eliminate processed foods and drink plenty of water.
Chamomile tea is a beverage that can help alleviate your anxiety. There was a study done in 2009 that showed that it is effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety. The results of the study showed that the subjects who drank chamomile tea five times per day noticed a major reduction in their anxiety.
Meditate
Meditating will help calm your chaotic thoughts. It is easy for you to meditate. All you have to do is get comfortable and focus on your breath. Try to focus only on your breathing. You should meditate for 30 minutes out of the day.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the act of using essential oils to promote well-being and health. The essential oils can help boost your mood and relax. It can also reduce your heart rate.
I know that anxiety really sucks, but I promise you that the suggestions I’ve outlined can really help. Give them a try and leave me a comment below with your experiences!