Everyone feels stress and anxiety every day, about a hundred different things. It could be money or family issues, work problems or weight problems, or just general discontent, that is making you anxious.
This is normal! However you don’t have to live with it. There are ways to manage this anxiety.
While medication might be an option for you, perhaps you want to try some natural remedies first. Does this sound like you? If so, check out these seven ways you can naturally deal with the everyday anxiety that can build up over time and create real havoc in your life.
1) Breathe deeply.
Slow yourself down, and hopefully your anxiety, as well. Breathe from your diaphragm and count to four as you inhale, and do it again as you exhale. This type of diaphragmatic breathing can jump-start your body’s relaxation response, and help turn down your fight-or-flight response.
2) Find acceptance.
Learning that you can’t control everything, and that that’s OK, is a worthwhile life lesson. Accept the fact that anxiety is part of life. Don’t fight it all the time.
3) Stop.
Take some time out from whatever you are doing and just stop. Do 20 minutes of yoga. Go for a run. Play your relaxing playlist. Just stop focusing on whatever is making you anxious, and you may find that this may help put things in perspective.
4) Eat (and drink) better.
Think about what you are eating as the fuel you are putting into your body. Go for healthy snacks that will boost your energy. Stop skipping meals. Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine to lessen the risk for triggering your anxiety or panic attacks.
5) Exercise every day.
Exercise can help you get healthy, or stay healthy. Try to work up to doing some type of exercise daily. Exercise can also help you get a good night’s sleep, which will help your stressed-out mind immensely.
6) Stay positive.
Try to focus on the positive side of life. Stop trying to be perfect, because that will never happen. Strive to do your best at whatever you are doing. And try to laugh at whatever you find funny as often as you can.
7) Get help.
There is no shame AT ALL in getting professional help for any anxiety issues you have. Look for a licensed counselor and go. Just go!
Reviewed April 1, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith