Do you often find yourself overanalyzing every little detail? Or do you find it difficult to focus because a lot is going on in your head? Anxiety, even when we don’t realize it, finds its way into our lives in the most uncomfortable ways. It becomes challenging for a person to stay grounded and enjoy the moment. Anxiety can show up in different ways, and the complications are different for every person.
While some may have simple coping mechanisms, others may want to isolate themselves until they feel grounded again. Opting for mental health treatment that allows for long-term healing will be immensely beneficial as these treatments challenge the roots that empower anxiety. Once they are identified and addressed, the thinking patterns can also be corrected to reduce the effects of anxiety, making it easier for the person to live a fulfilling life.
That said, making conscious life changes is also important to prolong the positive effects of anxiety treatment; here are some ways to achieve this.
Keep Triggers Away
Removing triggers from your surroundings that cause you anxiety is a must-do. You cannot heal in an environment that has caused the problem in the first place. Identifying triggers helps limit (if you are unable to cut off) exposure and allows individuals to find ways to regulate themselves. For instance, if you live on a street buzzing with horns at odd hours of the day, consider relocating to a quieter place where you are not startled by sudden noises.
Include More Physical Movement
Exercising at least three times a week can be immensely beneficial in keeping you feeling fresh mentally, emotionally, and physically. When you exercise regularly, the body releases more feel-good endorphins, which are brain chemicals responsible for reducing stress, lowering anxiety, and improving an individual’s sense of well-being. Aside from this, the long-term benefits of exercising are worth investing in. Ensure you are taking baby steps and not jumping into intense exercises immediately.
Be in Nature, As Often as Possible
The natural environment can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels significantly. It will make you feel more focused while also lowering thoughts that give rise to anxiety. Aside from this, natural sounds can calm down a hyperactive nervous system while providing a sense of belonging and calmness.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
The foods we eat have a direct impact on how our organs function. For instance, highly processed foods with excessive amounts of sodium or sugars can make a person feel anxious. Food rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fibers will make you feel full while keeping your mental health in check. Including more citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, fish, eggs, dairy products, whole grains, potatoes, corn, and peas can be beneficial.
Tap Into a Meditative State
Meditation can help a person achieve a sense of relaxation and clarity as the practice emphasizes staying calm and observing one’s thoughts instead of engaging with them. It eventually allows people to recenter themselves in stressful situations and react with thought instead of impulse. Making meditation a regular practice can also help in gaining more self-awareness while reducing negative thinking patterns and associated feelings and allowing you to tap into your inner creative self. There are various ways to meditate, but if you are a beginner, starting with guided meditation can help you develop it into a practice.
Focus on Quality of Sleep
Sleep quality has a direct link with anxiety. For instance, a person with anxiety will find it difficult to sleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Avoid using your phone at least an hour before bedtime to make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Relaxing activities such as meditation, listening to calming music, and journaling can help people let go of obsessive thoughts.
Bottomline
While anxiety therapy and treatment aim to help individuals take control of their lives, pairing them with healthy and meaningful lifestyle habits will ensure sustainable progress (instead of hitting ground zero when the crisis hits). Make sure you spend time understanding areas in your life that can be improved and work consciously to bring about the desired positive change. It may take time, but being consistent and giving yourself time will be the key.
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