How to Reduce Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety can be difficult to manage, making it difficult to get to school or work, and individuals are forced to avoid social events. This can lead to isolation and clinical depression.
Treatments include medication and psychotherapy which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention (ERP), which involves exposing people slowly to objects that cause anxiety with the assistance of a psychotherapist.
1. Exercise regularly
Engaging in regular exercising is good for your body and mind. By reducing stress levels, it can reduce anxiety symptoms such as mood swings and fatigue. Begin slowly if you don’t exercise regularly. Consider adding a few quick workouts into your schedule and gradually increase your level. Choose activities that motivate you like weightlifting, walking or swimming. Find a fitness partner to motivate you if enjoy working out alone.
Relaxation can help manage your anxiety. Yoga and deep breathing exercises or a peaceful walk in the park are all possible. Make an effort to reduce or stop smoking and limit the amount of caffeine, alcohol and other substances that aggravate your anxiety.
If you have trouble managing your anxiety on your own, ask your primary care provider for the referral to a mental health professional who has experience treating anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help you discover ways to overcome your anxiety-related thoughts that are unhelpful or distorted and behaviors. If taken as directed, medicines such as antidepressants or short-acting sedatives may relieve anxiety.
If you are looking to pursue psychotherapy, check with your insurance company to find out what mental health services your plan covers. Do some research about the providers in your area that specialize in anxiety. Find providers that are in network to avoid costly out-of-pocket costs that could increase anxiety. In the meantime, remember that anxiety is common and can be treated. So, don’t hesitate seek the help you need. Treatment can help you overcome your fears and live a more fulfilling, happy life.
2. Get enough sleep
A restful and peaceful night is crucial to our physical and mental well-being. If anxiety is keeping you from a peaceful night’s sleep, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional or doctor for techniques to manage anxiety.
The stress of anxiety and the lack of sleep negatively impact our mood, energy levels, and performance. Many people with anxiety disorders are unable to sleep at night or wake up frequently during the night. This is often the result of the body’s «flight-or-fight» response, which causes our blood pressure and heart rate to rise when we feel threatened even if we’re not actually in danger.
The amygdala (a part of the brain that is responsible for emotional processing, including worry), becomes activated if we don’t sleep enough. This can create a vicious circle where we’re unable to sleep, and then we worry about it, which prevents us from sleeping well.
Sleep is essential for our overall health However, there are many ways we can improve our sleep habits and lessen anxiety disorder. Meditation or mindfulness exercises, for instance can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Practicing measured breathing techniques can also help calm the nervous system before going to bed. breathing, which is often disrupted when we’re stressed.
If you are suffering from anxiety that is severe it’s an excellent idea to seek out a mental health professional or healthcare provider. Your doctor can check you for underlying medical conditions that may cause your anxiety, and they can recommend treatment or medication if needed.
3. Identify your triggers
Certain situations or thoughts can trigger anxiety symptoms for many people. They may be overwhelmed. Having a mental health professional help identify the triggers and learn how to manage them can help improve the long-term management of anxiety.
The triggers for anxiety differ from individual to individual however, they usually begin with personal experience or a traumatic event. Fear of speaking in public, for example can cause many people to be anxious and nervous, however a trained therapist can show you how to overcome your anxieties. Another trigger for anxiety is the exposure to stressful situations, like travel or crowds. Controlling these triggers can make anxiety less severe and let you enjoy your life more.
A healthy diet, along with a good night’s sleep, can help reduce anxiety. A balanced diet should include complex carbs, vegetables and fruits and stay clear of alcohol and caffeine which can increase anxiety. If you have unexplained anxiety keeping a food diary can help you find possible food triggers. Avoid foods that contain sugar as they can trigger anxiety and cause blood sugar spikes.
A mental health professional can instruct you on stress reduction techniques and mindfulness meditation to manage anxiety, but if your anxiety is severe or is affecting your daily activities medications may be required to reduce your symptoms. Medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines. These medications are prescribed by your physician or a psychiatrist. It is important that you take your medication as directed and do not stop taking them without consulting with your healthcare provider. Anxiety is a natural part of life, however it should not control your life. Talking with a therapist can assist you in gaining control and start living your life to the fullest.
4. Pause for a moment
Anxiety can be an normal response to stressful life events. If anxiety is experienced regularly and persistently by a person is an indication that they suffer from an anxiety disorder. These symptoms can affect the daily routine as well as relationships, work and even happiness.
You can improve your perspective by stepping back from the circumstance that causes your anxiety. You can relax your body and mind by doing yoga, breathing exercises, or meditation. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also reduce anxiety.
Unable to express your emotions is a major factor in anxiety disorders. This can cause you to feel self-disappointed or that others don’t understand your feelings. Being assertive can help you overcome this feeling. You can also seek social anxiety disorder assistance and consult with an expert in mental health.
It can be difficult to overcome anxiety when the outcome you had feared occurs. To break out of an anxiety-avoidance pattern you must face the situations that cause you to be anxious. This may cause some temporary anxiety but it will help you learn that you can manage these situations and build confidence in yourself. For instance, if you are afraid of public speaking You can begin by giving a speech to family members, and gradually move on to larger audiences.
While some people can manage their anxiety disorder without medication, many need assistance. A therapist or doctor can help you change your thinking patterns and develop coping skills that are healthy. They may also offer psychotherapy or prescribe medication when necessary. Medication can be effective in reducing the severity of your symptoms.
5. Talk to someone
Anxiety can lead to isolation, so you should reach out to others and offer your assistance. If you’re struggling with anxiety, consider joining an online support group to connect with others who are experiencing similar experiences. You can also seek help and advice from a mental health professional.
Talking to your primary health care provider is a good first step. They may refer you to a mental health professional should you require it. Certain people suffering from anxiety benefit from psychotherapy (sometimes called «talk therapy») like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to identify and challenge your thoughts that are not rational. Other people find relief with medications or other complementary health techniques like meditation or yoga.
Remember that your friend or family member isn’t a person who chooses to suffer from anxiety. It’s part of their character as is any other physical condition. Be careful not to dispel their fears with logic or affirmation. It isn’t easy to convince someone that a fear is illogical particularly when it’s an all-consuming worry that they can’t seem to shake off.
You can talk to them on a regular basis about their anxiety if they’re confident about it. This could be an email or video chat every week, or just checking in every other day to see how they’re doing. It can give them the feeling of belonging and a plan for their day.
You can also help your loved one manage their anxiety by encouraging them to socialize and spend time with friends. Encourage them to take a break from work or other activities at home when they begin to feel stressed, and suggest relaxation activities they can engage in instead. You can help them feel more grounded by walking, or refocusing on a hobby.