15 Useful Ways To Manage Anxiety
Living with anxiety can be challenging at times – what
appears to be simple tasks become almost impossible to do.
Some people may choose to take medication, while others
are hesitant about this. Does it work? What if I become addicted? Talking with
your doctor is a great way to find a solution that suits your circumstances.
Fortunately there are alternatives for managing anxiety
for those who don’t take medication, and with many strategies to choose from
you will likely find something which can help make a difference to your
day-to-day life.
1. Acknowledging your anxiety
This is an important step which you cannot avoid. Right
now you have to admit that you are struggling with your anxiety, and know that
it is OK – your mental illness does not define you. Say things like “I’m just
feeling anxious” and “I’ve got through this before”. Accept it for what it is.
2. Avoid anxiety-triggering foods
From here on caffeine is your enemy and it must be
avoided. Helpful changes to your diet include reducing your intake of
coffee, alcohol and fast food. Instead try consuming food high in Tryptophan,
as this is known for having a positive effect on the mind and body. This would
include consuming more oats, bananas and nuts.
3. Take a break from social media
Sometimes it picks us up. Other times it puts us down.
Social media can be a trigger for anxiety so a detox from time to time may be
beneficial. Prove to yourself that you can do it.
4. Listen to music
Music has the ability to make us not feel so alone even
when our mind and body is telling us otherwise. There are many videos on
YouTube, like this
one for example, which are designed to
reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
5. Write it all down
Whenever your anxiety is at its highest, write down what
you think could be triggering this in just a few words. Also, write down the
things that make you feel calm. Then go back to it and read what you have
written – use it for guidance.
6. Talk to someone you know well
Talking to someone who understands what you are going
through, whether it’s over the phone or person, will keep you calm and focused.
Just talking in general can make it feel like a weight has been lifted.
7. Exercise
Studies suggest that regular exercise may help
relieve you of your anxiety symptoms, whether it’s a 20 minute walk or a 5
minute workout. It all makes a difference.
8. Rearrange your room
It’s a good idea to keep things organised as this creates
some kind of structure in your life, and structure is associated with a
calm body and mind.
9. Pet an animal
Dog, cat, micro pig – it doesn’t really matter. Studies
show that your pet can be the key to reducing tension and improving your mood.
This is the ideal therapy for any animal lover.
10. Read a book
A good book has the ability to heal us, and it’s the
perfect escape from reality. In fact, even reading for just 5 minutes daily can
decrease levels of anxiety.
11. Relax in the bath
Soaking in the bath reduces tension in our muscles and
helps us to relax both physically and mentally.
12. Baking
The process of baking can be both soothing and uplifting.
13. Be creative
Anything that requires you to focus your attention on
something other than your anxiety such as drawing, making a bracelet or solving
a puzzle is the best distraction and it will give you a sense of
accomplishment.
14. Singing
Singing is a way to express ourselves and sometimes it’s
good to let it all out.
15. Reward yourself
It’s important to give yourself a ‘pat on the back’
whenever you make progress towards managing your anxiety. This is the
encouragement that you need in order to tackle your anxiety for good.
CORALLE PANRUCKER
http://www.lifehack.org/376259/15-useful-ways-manage-anxiety?mtype=daily_newsletter&mid=20160323_customized&uid=687414&email=drmsriram%40yahoo.com&action=click
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