Feeling overwhelmed and anxious at times is a normal reaction to stressful situations. If you are wondering what you could do to reduce how anxiety affects your life, keep reading.
We’ve put together a list of tips to help you deal with these negative feelings.
Go for a jog!
Jogging reduces symptoms of anxiety, and the effects can be long-lasting. One single session can help alleviate symptoms for hours, and a regular schedule may significantly reduce anxiety over time.
Put your trainers and crack on!
Listen to feel good music
Music has been proven by science to help ease pain, cheer you up, help you focus, elevate workout performance, and keep you calm. Classical, punk or pop – stick your earbuds in and let the music work its magic.
Reduce caffeine intake
Would you be able to go a whole day without a single coffee? Caffeine has been proven to increase stress hormones, so much so that it can nearly double in your blood levels the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine.
Take an evening walk
Unwind your mind by taking a stroll before settling in for the night. Getting out into the fresh air is good for your body. Even if you are just walking, your body is going to release endorphins that will help ease any anxieties built up from the day.
Plus – you will probably find that you fall asleep easier.
Take a long bubble bath
The laundry can wait! Grab your favourite bubble bath, a good book, maybe some candles or mellow music, and lock the bathroom door. Let yourself unwind from the day in one of the most relaxing ways.
Get to bed early
How much you sleep at night determines how well you can deal with anxieties and stress. A healthy night’s sleep should be anywhere from 7-9 hours. Sleep gives your mind and body time to heal, actually providing cells with increased protein production that fuels growth and repairs damage incurred by stress and anxiety.
Talk and talk
Try talking to someone about at least one of the things that makes you feel anxious. Your spouse, partner, parent, peers, co-workers, maybe even a stranger. Talking about what you are worried or anxious about may help you find a solution, and it will make you feel better!
Snuggle an animal
There is a reason we have dogs visiting hospitals today – they really do lift our spirits! Not only that, but they increase oxytocin levels and release endorphins, reducing anxiety levels and making you feel better connected.
If your anxiety is far away from your control, you should consider talking to a professional. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) can teach you techniques to understand the triggers, control them and feel better.
