If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, then you probably know that it’s more than your run-of-the-mill stress. Anxiety affects every part of your body, and your fears and worries can have physical manifestations. You feel like the walls are closing in, and you start to tremble and sweat. It can also affect your relationships and job performance.
Anxiety also often causes unhealthy coping mechanisms. Some people drink too much alcohol or caffeine while others comfort themselves through binge eating, which only compounds the effects of stress. While you can always undergo a binge-eating recovery plan, it won’t make much of a difference unless you treat the underlying causes.
You need to take action to manage your feelings of anxiety.
-
Remove soft drinks from your diet
Many people drink coffee to jump-start their day. The taste of coffee can also provide a sense of comfort to many since smell and taste are directly linked to memory. However, drinks made of artificial sweeteners and coloring should be kept off your diet.
It’s not uncommon to reach for your favorite soda for that quick jolt of energy, but all that caffeine can wreak havoc on your nervous system and also affects the mineral balance of your body. Too much sugar also leads to dental decay and cavities. Instead of soft drinks, go for hot tea or fresh juice instead.
-
Prioritize self-care
There’s nothing more important than your well-being. Put yourself first, and the rest will follow. Small things like a haircut, a massage, or a trip to a cinema can do wonders for your mental health. Treat yourself now and then to put your mind at ease.
But even if money is a bit tight, that doesn’t mean that you have to deprive yourself of the things you like. Activities like a day at the park or an afternoon stroll allow you to enjoy your me-time without having to spend money.
-
Minimize nonessential expenses
One of the leading causes of recurring anxiety is financial stress or hardship. Debt keeps many people up at night and often leads to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and despair. One way to eliminate one of your stressors is to trim the fat from your budget.
If you don’t know where your money goes, you might want to keep a daily expense journal for a month so you can track your inflow and outflow of cash. Who knows? Maybe you spend hundreds of dollars a month on coffee or cab fare.
-
Sleep early
If you lead a busy life, sleeping early is often easier said than done. Many of us sacrifice our sleep and spend late nights catching up on work or errands. However, if you’re serious about managing your anxiety, you need to start going to bed at more reasonable hours.
A lack of sleep can worsen your existing symptoms and increase your anxiety. It can also dampen your response time and affect your performance during the day.
These things will help you manage your anxiety. Anxiety management starts with taking control of your life and removing stressors that may aggravate your fears and worries. Most importantly, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
