Welcome to my blog. I am very excited you are here today because this topic (anxiety) is one that affects a lot of people. I want to share some ideas that will help overcome some of the symptoms you may have so you can start living a life you were made to live. I know there is no “cure” so to speak for anxiety; however you can learn to reduce the symptoms to live a better life. So let’s get started and learn more about what anxiety is and learn some tips on how to reduce some of your symptoms.
What is Anxiety?
Basically in a nut shell anxiety is intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. These feelings generally interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, and are out of portion with the actual danger involved. However, it is a real thing that many people have and suffer from. These fears and worries may include things like social anxiety, specific phobias, separation anxiety, and just generalized anxiety. If you have anxiety more than likely you already know it so that’s not a big secret, but do you know how to control it? Do you know what you can do to help with your symptoms? Some people don’t and that is why I am writing on this topic. I want to help you live a better life.
For some people, anxiety is a normal part of their lives. It’s a normal feeling being a part of a world filled with chaos. Anxiety isn’t an objectively bad feeling. It actually comes in handy for such things as alerting you of danger, reminding you to prepare, and makes it easier for you to weigh risk-reward ratios. But sometimes it can get out of control and that’s where you need to recognize it and learn to reduce those times.
If it becomes a daily nuisance and starts negatively affecting your mental health, anxiety could start festering and make it harder for you to perform your daily tasks. If you suffer from anxiety regularly and you don’t want to get that prescription refilled another time, there are other ways to fight this beast.
Ways to Reduce Anxiety Symptoms
One of the number one ways to reduce your symptoms of anxiety is ………drum roll please! EXERCISE! Whaaaaaat? Yes people exercise. I know what you’re thinking, my doctor keeps telling me to get out more, but it’s finding the time right? Well some of my other blogs will help with time crunchers. Anyway, for some people (not all!) but for some, exercise can be just as effective as prescription medication. Some studies have shown that people with anxiety and taking medication; regular exercise has reduced the dose of the medication or has eliminated it all together.
The second way you can reduce your symptoms is to stay away from alcohol. Alcohol is a natural sedative, although you might feel calmer generally the anxiety will come back worse than it was before. Then it becomes a vicious cycle. Also, the worst part is that alcoholism can even cause anxiety if you aren’t able to drink for extended periods of time.
Another great way to reduce your symptoms is reduce your consumption of caffeine. I know, you need your cup of Joe in the morning, but just reduce the amount of cups per day and drink something else throughout the day. I have a coffee business (Classicchromecoffee.com) that I sell bags of coffee online and in some retail stores here locally, so I get it. I have to have my coffee daily but I just reduce the amount or I drink decaf. Some people drink coffee for the “buzz” or that little boost of energy, in reality there is no buzz or boost of energy if you consume it on a regular basis because your body gets used to it and the effects go away. For most people it is all psychological. So switch to decaf and enjoy the taste of coffee not the buzz you THINK you are getting.
This next one is one of my favorites because it’s one that a lot of people don’t realize or pay attention to when they should; identify your triggers! So what are triggers? Triggers are anything that makes you anxious. One thing it will do is it will allow you to treat your anxiety at the roots instead of using more short-term “solutions” such as alcohol and tobacco. Try to think of the places and times that you’re most anxious. After that the most important thing to do is keep track of them by writing them down either on a notepad or on an app on your phone. Once you have your information, try to find patterns in your anxiety. Where are you most anxious at work? At home? While picking up your laundry? Once you find out who/what is making you anxious, find a way to eliminate the trigger from your daily routine.
For example, if you’re most anxious when buying groceries, ask someone to do it for you or do what I do and order online and go pick them up. It’s like having someone do all your grocery shopping for you and all you have to do is show up, open your trunk and drive away. It’s great! If talking to your brother/sister/mom/dad makes you anxious, reduce the times you have lunch with them or talk on the phone. Here are some other ways that you can reduce your symptoms of anxiety and life a happier, healthier life;
Meditate
Eat a healthy diet
Practice deep breathing
Get more or a better night’s sleep
These are just a few examples of what you can do to try and reduce your symptoms of anxiety. Now we all know that all of these ideas will not work for everyone, however, if one or two work for you that is a big step in the right direction. You may even be able to reduce your medication which is a win-win. So try these out and let me know which ones you have tried and which ones have worked, I’m curious to know. Thank you for all the other comments, questions, and ideas I enjoy interacting with my fellow readers and I am always here to help. Just shoot me an email, and I will respond so we can figure it out together. A coach is an ally, not a doctor. I will not tell you what you need to do, I will guide you with YOUR decisions and steer you in the right direction as a co-pilot not a boss.
As always take care and go live your best life being happier and healthier!
Darren
Harmony Shift 