4 Ways To Help You Manage Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s way of managing underlying fear, worry, or stress. Those who suffer from anxiety experience sweating, trouble breathing, irritability, and other adverse side effects. Not everyone who suffers from anxiety has the same symptoms or to the same degree. The good news is you don’t have to suffer alone.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety is a commonly used term that should not be taken lightly. The most common anxiety trigger is stress, which is not necessarily a bad thing. A healthy amount of stress can help you stay alert, accomplish projects, and protect you from dangerous situations. For some people, however, it can paralyze them.
Chronic stress, medical disorders, trauma, and other mental health disorders can trigger anxiety. If your symptoms are getting in the way of living the life you want, here are four ways to help you manage anxiety.
1. Practice Deep Breathing
Many people who suffer from anxiety have underlying trauma in their past. Research shows anxiety often occurs when people worry or recall a traumatic memory. Practicing deep breathing can help restore balance by helping you gain control of reality. As you focus on slow, deep breathing, anxious feelings subside. You can add deep breathing patterns to your routine, so you’re ready to reduce anxiety at any moment.
2. Identify the Source Of Your Anxiety
Managing your anxiety is easier when you know what’s bothering you. Take time to explore your feelings and try to identify the source of your feelings. People with anxiety often experience feelings like:
Difficulty concentration
Irritability
Insomnia
Fatigue
Rapid breathing
Sweating
Journaling, meditation, relaxation techniques, and seeking help from a professional therapist can help you locate the root of your negative feelings.
3. Establish A Healthy Routine
Redirecting your patterns or establishing a positive routine can help you focus on something other than uncomfortable symptoms. You will notice reduced symptoms and increased mental health as you create a routine. Consistent habits start with a solid waking and sleeping routine, exercise, nutrition, and other things that put your mind at ease. Reading a book, going for a walk, meditation techniques, yoga, and listening to music are excellent things to add to your routine.
4. Prioritize Physical Activity and Nutrition
When you exercise, the body releases endorphins that help block pain receptors in the brain. As you increase physical activity, endorphins rise and promote healthy brain activity and mental health, which lowers anxiety. The great news is that it doesn’t take hours of intense exercise for you to reap the benefits. Swimming, walking, yoga, or interacting with friends and family can lower your symptoms. Pairing exercise with healthy eating can help lower stress levels and improve your mental wellbeing.
Recover From Anxiety With Professional Therapy
Professional therapy can help you identify the source of your anxiety and help you recover. At Sussman Therapy, our compassionate and experienced therapists in Oakland, CA, are passionate about helping people find freedom from their symptoms and reach their goals. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.