Attacking Anxiety With These Healthy Habits

Forty million American adults currently suffer from an anxiety disorder.

If you’re part of this group, you know how frustrating anxiety is and how much of a toll it can take on your daily life and relationships. This is especially true when it’s paired with another disability.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treating anxiety. Many people find relief from certain lifestyle changes.

If you’re ready to start attacking anxiety, read on to learn about some healthy habits you can establish today.

Tips for Attacking Anxiety

Even making one of these habits a part of your daily routine can make a world of difference for your anxiety levels.

Meditate

Whether you’re trying to get through a stressful holiday season or just want to feel more at ease throughout your day, meditation is a great tool that millions of people swear by.

When we’re anxious, we’re focusing too much on the future and worrying about all the bad things that might happen to us.

Meditation counteracts this worry by helping us remain in the present. By taking some time every day to sit and focus solely on the breath, we’re able to take back control over our wandering, anxious mind.

If you’ve never meditated before, start with just one minute. Sit up straight in a comfortable position and just pay attention to your breath. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.

Establish a Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep work wonders for attacking anxiety.

Regular exercise, whether it’s going for a swim or practicing yoga, helps the body produce endorphins and serotonin, chemicals that help fight depression.

A good diet also helps us produce the chemicals we need to stay happy and relaxed.

You don’t need to complicate things when it comes to eating healthier. Just start small by focusing on eating fresh, whole foods and drinking plenty of water.

Quality sleep is another important piece of the puzzle. Avoid using electronic devices right before bed, and practice waking up and going to bed at the same time each day. You may also need to decrease your caffeine consumption, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

Change Your Language

The way we talk about ourselves and our situation has a powerful effect on the way we feel. Many people who struggle with anxiety have a tendency to overuse permanent words like “can’t,” “always,” and “never.”

By changing our language and our attitude about our situation, we can become more empowered to change it.

Next time you say or think something like, “I’m always anxious,” or “I can’t control my anxiety,” stop and think about how you can rephrase your thoughts to make them less permanent.

Maybe, instead, you can say, “I feel anxious in this moment, but I know the feeling will pass.”

Practice Gratitude

Finally, work on expressing gratitude daily.

It can be hard to find things to be grateful for when you’re feeling anxious. But, many people find that taking time to name things they’re grateful for helps them feel more calm, present, and centered throughout the day.

Next time you’re feeling anxious, stop and list three things you’re grateful for. They can be the smallest, most simple things, like the fact that the sun is shining or that you have access to running water.

Join Our Community

Is anxiety holding you back from creating meaningful relationships?

Our online community is a great place for people who are ready to put themselves out there and start attacking anxiety. If you’re ready to make a change, join Special Bridge today!