For many people, one of the most overwhelming side effects of anxiety is how debilitating it can feel. People with anxiety often feel like they cannot fully enjoy their life. Anxiety doesn’t allow us to fully enjoy or be present for a variety of events. Examples could include family BBQs, concerts, screenings at the movie theatre, company meetings or presentations, travel, or even a simple trip to the grocery store. Anxiety affects each individual very differently, however in most cases living with anxiety does not create a positive experience. By definition, anxiety is a mixture of uneasy feelings, including nervousness, worry and fear about yourself or others.
We believe that life is meant to be enjoyed, and strive to help each of our patients live a comfortable and enjoyable life in any way that we can. In the article below, we outline a few techniques that may help you manage the anxiety in your life, allowing you to regain control of your happiness & inner peace.
Identify & Manage Any Triggers
In some instances, triggers of anxiety can be obvious and easy to pinpoint (like smoking, drinking alcohol, or consuming caffeine), or they may take time to identify (and may require help from a therapist or counselor). Once you have identified any trigger(s) that initiate or prolong moments of anxiety, we encourage you to limit your exposure to these substances or situations that you deem as sources of your anxiety. If you are unable to remove a trigger from your life, or reduce exposure (such as a stressful work situation or environment you cannot avoid), one of the techniques below may be of more help.
Create A Healthy Mind & Body
Often, changing your diet and daily habits can help manage feelings of anxiety. Regular exercise, balanced meals & consistent sleep patterns are a few of the common changes you can make to your everyday routine that may help reduce the occurrence of feelings or symptoms of anxiety. Dark chocolate, lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, and green tea are a few common supplements and nutrients that may help when included in your diet.
Relax
When managing short-term feelings of anxiety, taking 10 to 20 slow, deep breaths may help you refocus on the present moment, and move past the feelings of anxiety you are experiencing. In a more long-term sense, adding a daily meditation practice into your morning or nightly routine has proven to be beneficial for many people. There are several mobile applications on the market designed to help guide you through meditations, if you feel you may have trouble doing so at first on your own.
Take A Break
If you are in a situation that allows you to get up and move freely, we recommend that you get up and take a walk outside, or around your home or office building. Changing your surroundings, and allowing yourself time to re-center may reduce feelings of anxiety.
Explore Medications
If your anxiety does not seem to subside or relent after implementing one, or many, of the techniques outlined above, or if you believe you could benefit from an anti-anxiety medication, we welcome you to explore the options available with a Doctor on our team.
In a recent study, it was found that nearly 300 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety. Although anxiety may not be something we can completely cure, there are things we can do to reduce the negative effects or feelings anxiety creates (both physical and mental). If you have any questions about the techniques outlined above, or are interested in additional coping mechanisms, please reach out to our team. We are always here to encourage you to live a healthy & enjoyable life, and are ready and willing to help foster that in any way that we can.
