We have all heard of anxiety, no matter if it’s a phrase someone uses to describe how they feel about a situation or if someone actually suffers from it – whether it manifests as a panic attack, avoidance of social settings, or incessant over-analysis, anxiety can be frightening and baffling, isolating individuals who suffer from it. In actuality, anxiety is a very variable mood disease with a wide range of symptoms and experiences. Anxiety may be crushing for some people and adversely impair their quality of life, but others may find strategies to disguise their anxiety and struggle in silence.
What is Anxiety?
Believe it or not, anxiety is natural. Anxiety is our body’s natural reaction to stressful or frightening events. There are numerous situations in life where it is acceptable to feel apprehensive, such as going to a job interview, public speaking, or being followed by an animal. While anxiety is a typical human emotion, it may be troublesome when we experience it in the face of stimuli that should not provoke such a response.
How to Cope
As discussed, some people will experience anxiety different than others, whether it is severe, or whether it is mild. Either way, there are many methods that can help reduce anxiety and the side effects that come with it.
- Sleep: Sleep deprivation is known to have an impact on mood and mental health, which may worsen the difficulties associated with anxiety disorders. Because of the bidirectional link, anxiety and sleep deprivation can be self-reinforcing; worrying produces bad sleep, which contributes to more anxiety and worse sleep issues.
- Eating healthy: A diet high in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits is a better choice than a diet high in simple carbs found in processed foods. It is also vital to consider when you eat. You should not miss meals. This might induce blood sugar dips, which can make you feel nervous and aggravate underlying anxiety.
- Cut back on caffeine: Caffeine may aid attention and offer an energy boost for some people, but it can be problematic for those suffering from general anxiety condition. It’s best for people with anxiety to avoid coffee, not because caffeine causes anxiety, but because it can worsen symptoms. However, if you like to indulge keep it to a daily minimum. Everyone has different physiology, so don’t forget to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Stay active: When you engage in physical activity, your mind is distracted from things that you may find yourself anxious about. Additionally, when you are moving your body, muscle tension tends to decline which also helps to alleviate the feeling of anxiousness. On a scientific level, Increased heart rate alters brain chemistry, boosting the availability of anti-anxiety neurochemicals such as serotonin, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and endocannabinoids.
The information provided in this blog is not and shall not be considered as professional medical advice. If you or someone you know are suffering from a mental illness, please contact a local medical professional for help.
