Is your anxiety so intense that it’s stopping you from doing the things you love? You’re not alone. Anxiety has become one of the most common mental health problems in developed countries, where more people are dealing with stress on a daily basis.
Anxiety isn’t just limited to adults – kids are now facing an increasing amount of anxiety in their daily lives. Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences sometimes in order to help them deal with danger in some way, shape, or form. The good news is there are many ways to manage your anxiety and regain control of your life.
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Engage More In Physical Activities
Reduce your stress and embrace a healthy lifestyle by participating in physical activities. It is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and regain control of your life. Join a meetup or an exercise class nearby and get moving with other people who share your interests.
Physical activities such as sports, dance, biking, running, swimming, yoga, etc. are not just fun but also provide a sense of belonging, social connection and are the perfect way to keep you away from anxiety-inducing situations.
When you engage in physical activities, your mind becomes occupied. This reduces the frequency of anxious or intrusive thoughts and prevents you from worrying about the future. Just make sure that you do not over-exercise; it may increase your anxiety levels rather than reduce them.
Consider Supplements
Supplements are useful for more than what is listed on the bottle. Today, there are supplements that can be bought to reduce anxiety and increase serotonin levels in your brain (serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects moods).
If you feel like medications that affect serotonin levels cannot be tolerated, get information about other supplements or vitamins that can help in this situation.
There are some evidence-based vitamins that work for anxiety, you can read more about that here to find out how they work. However, remember to be safe and consult with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you are currently under medical treatment for something else or take certain medications. Also, make sure you check the safety seal on the bottle and never take more than what is recommended to avoid any serious side effects that may result in medical attention.
Drink More Water
Our body needs water in order to function properly. If we don’t supply it with enough, we could become sick and our cognitive abilities will be impaired. So if you’re feeling anxious, start drinking more water. An increase in the intake of water would not only help to relieve tension and anxiety, but also improve digestion and relieve constipation.
Just try to drink 8 glasses of water today and you’ll be amazed at the difference it could make in your well-being. And please don’t think that drinking fruit juice can substitute for an increase in your fluid intake because fruit juices contain a high amount of sugar, which will only cause you more harm than good.
You should aim to drink about 2 liters of water a day. Of course, this isn’t all that you can consume, but just try not to drink too much caffeine or alcohol. If you have the time, start drinking a couple of glasses before your anxious event and it will certainly help you calm down.
Cut Out Sugar
Sugar is also one of the causes of anxiety and depression. It not only causes mood swings but can also trigger panic attacks and heighten paranoia. So if you want to reduce your anxiety problems, cut out sugar.
If you feel like having something sweet, think about having a piece of fruit instead; it will do your body a world of good. sugar addiction is one of the worst addictions to get rid of because it can be very difficult and you’ll need a lot of willpower, but it will definitely help in reducing your anxiety levels. Instead, add healthy fats such as omega-3s (fish oil, nuts) into your diet; they are known to keep stress hormone production down.
Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
Many people drink coffee and caffeinated sodas because they think it helps them stay alert. It is true, caffeine can decrease fatigue but too much caffeine actually increases anxiety and stress. A better alternative to caffeine is doing yoga or exercising to increase your energy levels.
If you simply need a pick-me-up, opt for tea instead. The amino acids in tea improve your mood and reduce anxiety, stress, and irritability. Caffeine will make you jittery and anxious which will make your life worse and that’s not something you want. If you have a lot of anxiety already, you don’t need anything else making it worse so avoid caffeine as much as possible.
Declutter Your Surroundings
When there is too much clutter around, it can increase stress levels. This can be anything from clothes to junk lying around. Also, remember that some of the things you don’t really need or ever use should also go in this category. These things actually lower your self-esteem and make you think that you aren’t getting anywhere in life. Decluttering can be quite a difficult task, but not as tough as it may seem. It just takes determination and some time to do so. So start today and get rid of those clothes or items that you haven’t used for more than a month.
Spend time with friends and family
Spending time with loved ones can reduce feelings of anxiety. Remember to take the time out of your busy schedule to spend quality time with friends and family whenever possible. Family and friends are the people that care most about you and want to see you happy. If you feel like your anxiety is getting out of hand, call a friend for some support. If it is not always possible to spend time with friends and family, In this case, try to make an effort for quality time. If you can’t see them in person then talk to them over the phone or via social media.
There comes a time in everyone’s life when they feel anxious. An anxiety disorder can cause severe panic attacks, make you think there is something wrong with your health, and leave you feeling hopeless. But this doesn’t mean that anxiety disorders should be accepted as a part of our everyday lives. The good news is that if you have an anxiety disorder it can be treated and you can go back to living a normal, healthy life. With the help of the right treatments and therapies, it is possible to reduce and even eliminate anxiety disorder symptoms and live life on your terms.
