Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the United States, with over 40 million U.S. adults suffering from some sort of anxiety disorder. Anxiety directly impacts a person’s quality of life, and if untreated, it can render them unable to live a life free of worry, stress, and paranoia.
Anxiety can be crippling, so it’s important that people suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment, as only 36.9 percent of people suffering from an anxiety condition actually do receive treatment, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Anxiety disorders can be treated with medication and various types of therapy, which can help to minimize the effects that anxiety has. But even if you’re someone who struggles with anxiety that is being treated, it can still be hard. People with anxiety have good days and bad days, with symptoms coming and going, sometimes because of outside factors, other times for no reason at all.
Fortunately, there are numerous daily habits and practices that can help you cope with your anxiety and live each day to the fullest, despite your anxiety’s insistence otherwise. If you’re ready to begin taking smalls steps each day to reduce the effects of your anxiety, continue reading and learn how you can manage your anxiety a little better.
Habits To Help With Anxiety
- Take A Break – If you’re dealing with a stress problem, it may be best to get away from it for a few minutes, whether through a quick break from whatever you’re doing, or taking some time to do yoga, go for a walk or listen to music. Putting down your technology can also help, too. Simply stepping away from something that’s bothering you could help your anxiety subside for a little.
- Eat Healthy Meals – Poor nutrition can have a negative effect on mental health, as a lack of energy can often make anxiety feel worse. Be sure to eat every meal and keep snacks with you for times when your energy feels low.
- Break Down Tasks Into Smaller Tasks – Sometimes anxiety is at its worst when you’re overwhelmed with so many different tasks on your plate. When you have a lot going on, try breaking up your focus into smaller, achievable tasks. By knocking out small tasks little by little, you’ll feel more accomplished and actually chip away at what you need to get done quicker than you realize.
- Exercise Daily – Exercise releases endorphins, which reduce stress and leave you feeling happier. Going for a walk, jog or a hike can work wonders to calm you down and make you feel good. Playing a sport can also help, so sneak in a little exercise when possible.
- Get Involved With A Hobby Or Group – Pursuing a hobby can take your mind away from your stress and also give you a sense of accomplishment. The same can be said for volunteering and participating in group activities. Not only do group activities provide a support network, they also take your mind off your anxiety, too!
- Schedule Your Anxiety – Scheduling time on a calendar or planner to worry can actually help put your mind at ease, as you as dedicating a certain period of time for worrying and stressing. This can help provide a sense of structure and reduce uncertainty in the near future. It’s also a tool that psychiatrists use frequently!
- Learn About Your Triggers – Learning what triggers your anxiety is an important way of learning how to control it better. By identifying what causes your stress, you can work to avoid it and talk about it with others, including mental health professionals.
- Talk About Your Anxiety – Bottling up your feelings can make your stress and anxiety worse, so it’s important to discuss your challenges with people you trust. If you are suffering from a diagnosed anxiety disorder, one of these people should be your therapist or psychiatrist, as they will be able to help formulate a treatment plan that best addresses your own struggles.
While these steps may seem small, combining some of them together may help you manage your anxiety and live a full life with more enjoyment and less worry. Remember that these good habits are not a substitute for professional treatment and that if you feel that you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, it is important to seek treatment from a mental health professional.
