Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the US every year. If you are one of those people, you know anxiety can be debilitating. It can be caused by various factors, including stress, genetics, and chemical imbalances in the brain. Symptoms of anxiety can include feelings of panic, fear, and dread. It can keep you from doing things you enjoy and make everyday tasks feel impossible. Anxiety can also be very isolating. If you are struggling with anxiety, this article will discuss six tips to help you manage your symptoms and live a happier life.
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Consider CBD Products
CBD products are a non-intoxicating derivative of the cannabis plant used to treat many health concerns, including chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy. CBD reduces anxiety without making you feel intoxicated. It contains no THC, so it won’t get you high. There are lots of different ways to ingest it. You can consume cannabinoid products in tincture, oil, gummies, capsule, or vape form. Or purchase them as a topical cream or ointment to apply directly to affected areas such as your hands. If you are interested in trying CBD for your anxiety, talk to your doctor about finding the right product for you.
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Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is one of the essential steps in managing anxiety. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins can improve your brain’s ability to process serotonin. It is also essential to avoid alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, sugar, and simple carbs. These things can trigger anxiety or worsen your symptoms.
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Get Plenty of Sleep
Lack of sleep can be a major trigger for anxiety. It would be best if you aimed to get at least 7 or 8 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep every night. When you sleep, your body repairs itself, emotionally and physically. If you aren’t sleeping properly, you will feel tired, leading to anxiety about not functioning during the day.
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Exercise Regularly
Exercise stimulates the brain to release serotonin, which reduces anxiety and depression. Exercising also helps you get a better night’s sleep, improves your mood, and gives you more energy during the day. If you’re new to exercising, start small-go for a 15-minute walk each morning or try doing yoga in the evening. Once you have a routine going, exercise can be a great way to relieve your anxiety symptoms.
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Journal Your Thoughts
Writing things down makes you think about your ideas and how you process them. Anxiety can often be triggered by negative thinking patterns you’re not even aware of. Journaling gives you a chance to reflect on these thought patterns and see if there’s any truth or insight to them.
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Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Many people who suffer from chronic stress and anxiety have found relief through mindfulness meditation. At its core, mindfulness is about being aware of the present moment without judgment or reaction and sitting in a comfortable position, closing your eyes, and taking deep breaths in practice. When your mind starts to wander, it inevitably will acknowledge the thoughts that popped into your head and then bring you back to focusing on your breathing.
Anxiety can be a debilitating condition, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Suppose you practice mindfulness, exercise regularly, and work on finding healthy coping mechanisms for your symptoms. In that case, you will notice a massive difference in how much your anxiety interferes with your everyday life.