Managing Anxiety; 7 Methods To Try Each Day
About one-quarter of Americans are struggling with mental health issues, and the most common conditions being reported relate to anxiety. Factor in those who have not yet sought help, and the number increases significantly. That makes it critical to learn more about anxiety disorders — recognizing them and managing them.
Anxiety, on its own, is a normal and valuable emotion. It can protect us from danger and risk. But, in a society overrun with sensory input, too much anxiety can leave us feeling stuck in a state of high alert. Fortunately, treatment is available. There are also daily self-help steps we can all consider.
Managing Anxiety: 7 Methods To Try Each Day
1. Engage in Some Self-Education
As mentioned above, plenty of folks downplay anxiety — dismissing it as mere nervousness. Take the time to seek out reputable sources that can help you better understand your feelings. From there, it’s easier to start taking the steps that can lead to healing.
2. Feel What You Need to Feel
Since anxiety can often be misunderstood, we might feel self-conscious admitting it’s getting the better of you. But suppressing your feelings will only lead to more anxiety. Try making a habit of naming your emotions and finding ways to process them.
3. Practice Self-Care
Feeling resilient can put you in a better position to manage anxiety. The shortest path to resiliency is daily self-care. This can include exercise, healthy eating choices, and stress management. Another vital component involves regular sleep patterns. Maintaining a healthy sleep routine will enable you have more energy, think more clearly, and better handle life’s unexpected stressors.
4. Take Regular Tech Breaks
Society often encourages us to believe we cannot function without our phones. Meanwhile, notifications, the fear of missing out, and the endless search for dopamine hits are essentially a recipe for out-of-control anxiety. We live life vicariously and get caught up in cycles of counterproductive comparisons. By stepping away from your devices a few times per day, you are taking a giant step toward reducing stressful input.
5. Add Joy to Your Schedule
When you take those tech breaks, replace phone time with play. Try not to let a day pass without adding laughter, wonder, and imagination. Take a break from the productivity treadmill and do something just for the fun of doing it. Having fun with others is a wonderful counterbalance to hyper-vigilance so remember to keep socializing high on your list!
6. Try Something Relaxing — Like Aromatherapy
Relaxation techniques come in many forms. An excellent option is to add calming sensory input throughout your day. Aromatherapy can be a part of your home and work life. When doing your homework (see #1 above), research scents that can help reduce anxiety. A common choice is lavender. Not only does it make everything smell better, lavender can reduce anxiety symptoms and lead to a better night of sleep.
7. Keep A Journal For Calmness and Clarity
Earlier, we mentioned the importance of naming your emotions. You can take this to another level by starting a journal. Monitor your moods, triggers, and solutions. Expressing your emotions on paper is a great way to keep track of the patterns that derail your day. It’ll also be very useful during your therapy sessions.
Speaking of Therapy…
An anxiety disorder is much more than experiencing occasional worry or stress. It’s a manageable condition for which you can gain valuable support and insight from an experienced professional. Reaching out for help is a giant first step toward regaining control of your life and thriving again. If anxiety is impacting your daily life, let’s schedule a free and confidential consultation or learn more about how anxiety therapy can help you.