Going through life with prevalent anxiety can be difficult on a number of levels. Since unchecked anxiety can impact your job performance, personal relationships and everything in between, it’s in your best interest to find effective ways to alleviate it. While there’s no denying that anxiety can be a crafty opponent, keeping it in check – and even stamping it out – may prove much easier than you think. So, if you’re looking to show prevalent anxiety who’s boss, put the following pointers to good use.
Seek Professional Assistance
Depending on how severe your anxiety is, getting it under control may require professional mental health assistance. A seasoned counselor or therapist will provide you with valuable advice, coping mechanisms and assorted mental tools for keeping your anxiety in check. So, when searching for the right person, make sure to look for someone who’s well-versed in treating anxiety. s
If you’ve never sought formal mental health care, feeling apprehensive is perfectly understandable. However, getting past your trepidation can pave the way for tremendous rewards and long-term relief from anxiety.
Get Involved in Charitable Endeavors
Helping others can be a fantastic way to alleviate anxiety and make you feel better about yourself. From soup kitchens to homeless shelters to animal shelters, most communities have an abundance of volunteer opportunities. Additionally, if you have the financial means to contribute to your favorite causes, consider writing some checks. For example, if you have an interest in organizations that fight domestic terrorism, don’t hesitate to seek out donation opportunities.
Make Time for Yourself
Many of us become so caught up in the various responsibilities of adulthood that we seldom devote time to doing the things we truly enjoy. So, if work and assorted personal obligations have been preventing you from indulging in your favorite hobbies or pastimes, make a point of carving out time for yourself on a regular basis. For example, devoting just one hour a day to catching up on your favorite shows, making a dent in your reading list, playing video games or enjoying a creative outlet can help soothe your mind and body and instill feelings of personal fulfillment.
Virtually any mental health professional you talk to can vouch for the importance of self-care. And if you’ve been neglecting your own passions or interests in favor of doing things you don’t enjoy, it’s hard to deny that your life is in need of some serious balance.
Commit to Improving Your Sleep Habits
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that poor sleep habits can contribute to anxiety. Since a lack of sleep can cause an increase in cortisol – a steroid hormone created and released by your adrenal glands – it’s easy to see why an inconsistent sleep schedule stands to exacerbate anxiety issues. So, if your current sleep schedule could stand to improve, now would be the time to get on top of the problem.
To start with, you should aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Depending on your schedule, this may require you to go to bed at an earlier time than you’ve become accustomed to. If you currently lack any sort of set bedtime, take care to assign yourself one. Although many of us resented being forced to go to bed at set times as children, the bedtimes our parents gave us served a vital purpose – ensuring that we were well-rested.
If getting your brain and body in the mood for slumber is something you have trouble with, start engaging in a relaxing pre-bedtime routine. This entails shutting off all screens at least 30 minutes before your self-assigned bedtime and devoting this time to such relaxing activities as meditation, deep breathing exercises, reading and journaling. To help ensure maximum effectiveness, stick to your new sleep schedule on weekends and off-days – at least until your internal clock has fully adjusted.
Anxiety is a problem for countless individuals. While it’s entirely normal to feel anxious from time to time, having your entire life hijacked by anxiety can be an absolute nightmare. So, if unchecked anxiety has turned your relationships and routines upside down, there’s no time like the present to take a stand. Fortunately, there are a number of simple and effective ways for you to bring anxiety under control and regain control of your life.
