According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety can tremendously affect your health. Research suggests that people with anxiety disorders are more susceptible to all kinds of physical health problems. Taking steps to manage your anxiety also means taking care of your health.
So when you're in a state of anxiety or stress, here are some strategies to effectively handle these feelings, as recommended by the ADAA.
Get sufficient sleep. Stress and anxiety could be a sign of insufficient sleep. Make sure you get as much as 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Sleep relaxes the mind and the nerves.
Take time out. It is important to always find time to take time out and relax. Activities that you can try include yoga, listening to music, meditating, getting a massage, or learning simple breathing and relaxation techniques. Stepping back from your problem and anxiety helps clear your head.
Learn what triggers your anxiety. Feelings of anxiety are usually resurfaced by certain triggers. It could be anything from family, work, relationships, or anything in your life. A good way to determine your tigger is by writing in a journal whenever you feel anxious or stressed. This allows you to discover patterns and find out not only the trigger/s, but also the circumstances around you during the moments when your anxiety crops up, such as time of day, the people around you, what you ate that day, etc.
Be mindful and accept that there are some things you cannot control. At times all it takes to relieve stress and anxiety is to put things in perspective and accept what you are feeling, along with the reality of the circumstance. Ask yourself, "Is it really as bad as I think?" The ability to do this is a helpful skill that is beneficial in the long run. Seeking the help of a therapist is ideal.
