Suffering from anxiety can make you feel isolated, cause mental health issues, and even threaten your relationships. But, you don’t have to accept regular anxiety attacks as status quo. In today’s article, I’m sharing some steps you can take and techniques you can use to reduce the occurrence of anxiety attacks so you can live a calmer life.
Navigate Around Your Triggers
The primary way that you can reduce or avoid anxiety attacks is by understanding your triggers and using techniques to avoid those situations. For instance, if your anxiety is triggered by crowds, take breaks when attending large events, or rely on your friends to help you calm down. If you aren’t sure what your triggers are, working with a coach or therapist can help you to identify them.
Use Soothing Methods
Dealing with anxiety takes patience. Methods that help to soothe anxiety, such as breathing exercises or repeating phrases, can make the experience more tolerable. Incorporating meditation, stretching, and other calming techniques into your routine can help you get through your days more easily.
Don’t Add Fuel to the Fire
It’s probably best to avoid substances that increase and feed into your anxiety. Stimulants, such as the caffeine in coffee and energy drinks, can make you feel jittery or cause your mind to race. These outcomes can be especially bad if you’re already in a scenario where your anxiety is heightened.
Lower Overall Anxiety With Exercise
Exercising regularly is a great outlet for frustration and reducing negative feelings. Running and weightlifting can make you stronger and more confident as well, which can help to stave off anxiety. Plus, exercise increases the number of endorphins your body produces, which can help you feel happier and more relaxed.
Consider Therapy and Psychiatry
Although there are lots of things you can do to combat anxiety, getting professional help is usually a worthwhile idea. A therapist can help you work through many of the mental challenges and underlying causes of your anxiety, so you can experience less of it over the long term. A psychiatrist may prescribe a medication that can combat anxiety attacks chemically. Don’t be ashamed of seeking professional help, as it can benefit your life greatly, and anxiety can be a lot to deal with on your own.
Reduce Stress in Your Work Environment
Whether you work in a home office or in an office building, a cluttered environment can amplify your anxiety and create a sense of unease. Explore ways to make this environment more welcoming and comfortable. You might buy a new desk chair that conforms to your body shape and offers more back support, making it easier to relax. Perhaps you want to upgrade lighting systems so that it’s easier to see in your office or so that the light is less harsh. Think, too, about how you can store physical and digital files in a way that makes them easier to find.
Ease Your Anxiety
Don’t let anxiety attacks take over your life. By using techniques to soothe yourself, avoiding difficult situations, and living a healthy and more organized lifestyle, you can have calmer days.
Written by Sophie Letts
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Jen Roland
Featured Image by Humairah L. on Unsplash
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