Anxiety is one of the dominant causes of mental illness. Having feelings of anxiety occasionally is normal, but when it becomes frequent, it generates a disorder and becomes dangerous for your health. Anxiety disorder places your body under heavy stress, which can shorten your lifespan by 2.8 years.
In the US, 6.8 million adults, which is 3.1% of the population, suffer from anxiety orders, and the numbers keep increasing.
Anxiety does not kill, but it can attract severe mental and physical diseases that can shorten your life. But you may ask, how can one cope with anxiety in this modern time where the demands are high?
In this article, we will look at healthy ways to cope with anxiety.
10 Healthy Ways to Cope with Anxiety
One of the best things you can learn is how to cope with anxiety the right way. Below are some wholesome ways to help you deal with anxiety.
1. Identify the cause and make peace with it
You can only manage anxiety when you have identified the cause. If you haven’t made peace with the cause, you will keep running around without hitting the nail on the head.
Take some quiet time to reflect on recent events, changes, or stressors in your life that might be contributing to your anxiety.
Below are some possible causes of anxiety.
- family – divorce, marital abuse, neglect, or relationship difficulties,
- work – undue pressure at work, unemployment, or a toxic work environment
- financial problems – unpaid bills and mortgages or debts
- health – illness, death, or injury
- difficult past experiences – bullying, abuse, or neglect.
These are just a few of the possible causes. Pinpointing the cause can give you a sense of control and direction, helping you address the issue more effectively.
No matter the cause, make peace with it. How can you make peace with them? Maintaining a positive mindset as you walk towards it is one of the best ways to make peace with it.
Be positive about it and avoid overthinking it. Also, you can consult a therapist for help and guidance.
2. Maintain a physically active life
Exercise is a potent stress reducer. It helps to keep you healthy and lightens up your mood and brain cells.
There is a reduced chance of feeling anxious when your mood is always lightened.
Find activities you enjoy to make it easier to stick with them. Set small, achievable fitness goals and gradually increase your activity level.
Consider joining a local gym or fitness class for added motivation and social interaction. Even a short daily walk can make a significant difference.
3. Get adequate sleep
New research has shown that sleepless nights can increase your risk of anxiety by 30%.
One of the healthy ways to cope with anxiety is to make sleep a priority. Sleep for at least eight hours daily to maintain a healthy life.
If you find it difficult to get some sleep, you can try out the healthy ways to fall asleep.
Avoid caffeine and electronics before bed, as they can interfere with your sleep. Create a comfortable sleep environment—dark, quiet, and cool.
Consider relaxation techniques like reading, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath before bed.
4. Stay away from alcohol and recreational drugs
Research has shown that long-term use of alcohol and recreational drugs can worsen anxiety levels.
Staying off these substances is one of the healthy ways to cope with anxiety. If you are addicted to them already, visit your doctor for guidance on how to quit.
Moreover, the reason why this article discusses the healthy ways to cope with anxiety is because there are unhealthy ways to cope with it, and doing drugs is one of them.
5. Practice stress management and relaxation techniques
There are several effective stress management and relaxation techniques that you can incorporate in coping with anxiety. They are meditation, visualization techniques, and yoga.
Meditation is another great way you can deal with anxiety.
6. Maintain a healthy diet
Healthy food helps in coping with anxiety, but it should never be used as a substitute for medication. Food like chamomile and salmon is beneficial for reducing anxiety.
Other foods that are good for anxiety are green tea, avocado, turmeric, yogurt, dark chocolate, blueberries, and almonds. Generally, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
Plan balanced meals and snacks that include a variety of these foods. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, which can negatively affect your mood and energy levels.
7. Learn about your anxiety disorder
You cannot effectively cope with anxiety disorder without knowing about it. Book a session with your doctor a therapist and talk to them.
You will be listened to, diagnosed, and placed on medication. Also, you will be educated on what to do and not do.
8. Identify triggers
Learn what actions or situations trigger your anxiety and talk to your doctor or therapist about it.
Always be cautious of them and develop a plan to stay off them and an action plan to take when they occur.
9. Stick to your treatment
Take medications as directed by your doctor. Consistent treatment is crucial for managing anxiety effectively.
Set reminders for your medications to ensure you take them on time. Keep a calendar of your appointments and make it a priority to attend them.
Keep to your therapy appointments and complete any assignments given to you by your therapist.
This will help make a positive change to your health.
10. Socialize with friends and family
Socialization with your friends and family has proved to increase a hormone that decreases anxiety and helps you to cope with stress better.
Never stay away from your loved ones when you have an anxiety disorder.
Social interaction can increase hormones like oxytocin, which help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of well-being.
You can schedule regular social activities, even if it’s just a coffee date or a walk with a friend. Reach out to friends and family regularly, even if it’s just a quick text or phone call.
Participate in community events or volunteer work to meet new people and stay engaged.
Conclusion
With these above 10 healthy ways to cope with anxiety, you should be able to cope effectively with anxiety. Never allow anxiety to steal your joy and life away. Learn to open up anytime you feel overwhelmed with stress or thoughts. Anxiety disorder can be treated quickly when diagnosed early.
