Anxiety can be caused by many factors, like stress at work or school, illness, and the loss of a loved one. You might have anxiety because your brain is wired that way; it’s natural for some people to worry more than others. Given the ongoing global pandemic and many uncertainties that are occurring in our lives and culture because of this, anxiety is at an all-time high, which is forcing many of us to prioritize our mental health. It’s not clear exactly what causes anxiety but there are ways to help manage it. Here are six helpful tips to get you back to your regular self.
1) Get your vitamins in order
Vitamins are essential for your body to function properly. The best vitamins support every single process that takes place in your body, which is why it’s important that you have a healthy diet. A lack of vitamins can lead to anxiety and fearfulness, so eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables for their many benefits. This will also help you balance your hormones.
2) Exercise
Do you sit at home all day and watch TV? Do you sleep all the time and avoid people? Or do you work on your computer for hours? If this sounds like you, then it’s time to change that. Get outside and take a walk or go bike riding; exercise is great for your mental health. It releases endorphins, which are the chemicals responsible for your good moods.
3) Get enough sleep
Many people don’t get enough sleep, but studies show that when you don’t get 7-8 hours, it can cause anxiety and mood swings. Some people call this “second puberty” because it’s like you suddenly become a moody teenager; if this sounds like you, sleep more and see if your anxiety lessens.
4) Meditate
People with anxiety often feel like they need to figure out their problems right away. If you don’t understand your fear or think that it will continue forever, then you might be tempted to “solve the problem” in your head. As good as this sounds, it doesn’t actually help; if anything it makes things worse. To calm down, try meditating. Meditation is great for stress relief and getting rid of negative thoughts. This will help you get out of your head and focus on relaxation.
There are many different apps and resources to help you learn to meditate if you need some help. You might struggle initially and feel like the silence amplifies your anxieties as you can no longer ignore them, but this is important. Meditation is a safe space that you create for yourself when you can slowly work through your anxieties, or just have a break from life and everything that causes you anxiety.
5) Take a hot bath before bed
This might seem like an odd choice, but the heat from the water can help calm your nerves. It relaxes your body and gives you a little time for yourself. While you’re soaking in the tub, think about all the things you’re grateful for. When your mind is focused on gratitude it’s hard to worry about what scares you. Add some essential oils, bath bombs, bath salts, etc to ensure that you have a good experience. Taking time for yourself in this way should be a guilt-free way to enjoy some peace and quiet for yourself.
6) Talk to someone
If you feel like you are suffering from anxiety, don’t try to deal with it alone. Anxiety can be a tremendously scary disorder, and it’s often hard to understand. Talk to someone you trust, whether that is a family member or a friend. If you feel like your anxiety is more than you can handle, talk to a professional. There are many professionals out there who specialize in helping people with anxiety; it’s important to get help if your anxiety is affecting your life.
Anxiety is caused by many factors, whether it’s stress at work or school, illness, the loss of a loved one. It can also be natural for some people to worry more than others, however, there are ways to help manage this condition.
Always make sure that you are getting the vitamins in that your body needs. This will ensure that your body is balanced and can fix your anxiety as well as balance your hormones. Do this in conjunction with healthy exercise and make sure that you get enough sleep at night. Take up meditation, and extend this to taking a hot bath before bed. If you feel like it is hopeless and you cannot do it on your own, then talk to someone. Whether it is a friend, family member, mentor, or even a professional. Getting how you feel off your chest is an important part of the healing and coping process.
