Debbie One of the most common mental health issues that humanity faces today is anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry or fear that can be mild or severe. It can be a constant companion or it can come and go at various stages of a person’s life. For some people, their anxiety is so severe that it makes everyday activities difficult to complete. If you are struggling with anxiety, here are a few tips for how to deal with it every day.
Set Aside Some Time Each Day To Relax
Anxiety can be an incredibly tricky emotion to manage, but one of the most important things you should do is to take some time out of your day simply to relax. This could involve anything from reading a book, listening to music, going for a walk, or even just sitting in bed and cuddling something like this weighted stuffed animal dog to soothe your mind and help you feel ready to take on the rest of the day. It might take some time and experimentation to find something that works for you, but it’s well worth putting in the effort in order to arm yourself with the tools you need to relax.
Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Sleep
You should be making sleep a priority in any case, but it becomes even more important when you consider the mental health impact that sleep has. Sleep plays a vital role in reducing anxiety levels, as it helps to regulate the body’s stress response and balance hormones that can increase risk of anxiety. If you do find yourself struggling to sleep at night, consider making some changes to your evening routine that could help, whether that’s switching off your phone sooner, swapping a caffeinated drink for a herbal tea, or simply going to bed earlier. The benefits of getting enough sleep will filter through all aspects of your life, so it’s vital that you make every effort to get the sleep you need each night.
Eat A Balanced Diet, And Don’t Skip Breakfast
Eating healthy and nutritious foods is essential for managing stress levels and keeping your mood in balance. In order to achieve an optimal diet, it is important to incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and probiotics, among other things, into what you eat each day. You should also make sure that you eat breakfast every morning. Studies have found that people who eat breakfast tend to maintain a healthy weight, have more energy throughout the day and are less likely to experience anxiety. Eating a balanced breakfast can also help combat stress and anxiety levels as it provides your body with essential nutrients that are necessary for your brain to function properly.
Take Regular Exercise
Exercise is yet another one of those key steps that can make a big difference in your battle against anxiety. Regular physical activity not only helps to reduce stress hormones circulating in the body, but also releases endorphins which improve your overall mood and outlook on the world. There are many options for exercise, both low and high impact, that can help you manage your mental health. Low intensity activities, such as walking or stretching, can be done on a daily basis without putting too much strain on the body. Alternatively, those looking for something a little more challenging could try some higher impact activities like running, or HIIT classes. Exercise can help to stimulate the body and mind in a positive way as well as providing an opportunity to take time away from stressful situations.
Talk To Friends And Family
Talking to friends and family is an incredibly important tool for combating anxiety. It can be hard to reach out for help, especially when feeling overwhelmed by anxious thoughts or feelings. Yet, having a reliable support system and talking through difficult moments can be a tremendous source of strength and peace of mind. Plus, family and friends may be able to offer advice or solutions that you could never have thought of. Some of them may even have battled anxiety themselves, so will be able to really empathize with you and offer tips that you know have worked for them (as long as you are aware that they may not work for you). Your support network will want to help you, so don’t be afraid to reach out when you need them.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to control your life. These small steps will help you take back control and start living the life you want. By committing to as many of these goals as you feel able to, you’ll see a decrease in your overall anxiety levels and an increase in your quality of life. So, what are you waiting for? Make some small changes today and see if they make a difference!
