Living with anxiety can be overwhelming at times, especially if you have a stressful job. It may seem that there is no reprieve, that the stress and negative emotions keep piling up with nowhere to go. It can even affect your work performance or your relationships, and because anxiety is often tied to other mood disorders such as depression, it can leave you feeling helpless and alone.
Fortunately, there are several simple ways you can manage your anxiety. Reducing stress and finding ways to perform self-care are two important factors, as are finding ways to cope with everyday events that might trigger those feelings. For instance, you might feel anxious when faced with attending a party where there are many people you don’t know, and while it may seem that avoiding those types of situations is best, Psychology Today says that facing down your fears is the best way to move past them.
Finding ways to deal with those emotions that work for you is important; read on for more tips.
Exercise is key
It can be difficult sometimes to get up and pursue a workout when you’ve been feeling anxious or depressed, but many people have found relief through exercise. Choose something that’s either soothing–think swimming or gardening–or that helps you feel in control, such as a sport you enjoy. Having a physical outlet for your stress and anxiety will allow you to work through it everyday while helping your body feel better.
Make your home a safe place
Anxiety sufferers need a place they can come to after a long day and relax, so make sure your home is a calming place that makes you feel good. Chaos and clutter will only make things worse, so tidy up and get organized. Create an area that is only yours, especially if you have a large family; an office or just a section of the bedroom where you can go and recharge.
Get some rest
You can’t expect to battle anxiety when your body is exhausted, but it’s common for anxiety sufferers to have trouble sleeping at times. Exercising daily will help, but it’s also important to stick to a routine to help yourself stay on track. Get into the habit of taking a relaxing hot shower or bath before bed, and minimize screen time for an hour or two before you hit the sheets. Watching television or scrolling through your social media newsfeed can have a negative impact on your rest.
Eat well
You may be wondering how your diet can affect your mood, but the answer is simply that your body and mind are closely linked. When you don’t feel well physically, your mental health is always impacted. Keeping your body healthy with well-balanced meals is one of the easiest ways to keep your anxiety at bay.
Explore coping methods
Everyone has their own way of coping with anxiety; choose the one that’s right for you, or a combination of different methods. These can include practicing meditation and/or yoga, which focus on learning mindfulness; seeking therapy from a licensed professional; using an art form to transform your mood; or taking mini-trips to get away from the stresses of life regularly.
Mindfulness can be extremely useful for sufferers of anxiety, as it allows them to focus on the present rather than worrying about the past or future. Art therapy is a great way to exercise your creative muscles and channel your feelings into something tangible, and when used in conjunction with talk therapy it has proven to be impactful for even those with the most debilitating anxieties. Travel is another great way to cope with your feelings of anxiety, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money or go far to get the benefits. Do some research to find great places near you, such as state parks or museums.