Anxiety is something that many people struggle with on a daily basis. While some people are less prone to feelings of anxiousness and tension, others are so sensitive that even the slightest upset in their day can lead to a full-fledged panic attack. Panic attacks are episodes which a person’s heart rate becomes elevated, they are overwhelmed with panic and desperation, and they may have trouble breathing. When this happens regularly a person is usually diagnosed with anxiety.
Anxiety is something that not only adds stress to your day and hinders your performance, but it can make you feel depressed and isolated from the world around you. While medication is sometimes recommended, there are other ways in which you can try to reduce your anxiety without the use of any substances. Here are some of the best ways to cut down your anxiety and take control of your life.
Cut Out Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is something that can make you feel numb in the moment and reduce anxiety. However, when the alcohol wears off it can leave you feeling even more anxious than before.
Since alcohol is a depressant, it can increase the feelings of hopelessness, panic, and desperation. The physical effects include a mild to a severe headache, nausea, and increased body temperature.
Cutting out alcohol from your diet completely is recommended when you have anxiety. Not to mention that it does not mix well with prescribed anti-anxiety medications.
Get Exercise
When you get active and increase your heart rate you will reduce anxiety. When you are running at full speed with an anaerobic heart rate your body is so engaged that your mind doesn’t have the opportunity to fixate on worries.
Try to get in at least 30 minutes a day of high-intensity exercise. You will find that not only will your anxiety go down but you will also feel much healthier overall.
Distract Yourself
Sometimes the most effective way to reduce your anxiety is to distract your mind altogether. By shifting your focus to a new subject you are allowing yourself to calm down.
Sometimes people make the mistake of trying to think their way out of a panic attack when in fact this will only lead to more panic. Often the best strategy is to distract yourself completely. When your mind is in a state of panic there is no logic to be able to talk yourself down until you are in a calmer state.
Stay Busy
Sometimes the best way to keep yourself calm is to stay busy. When your mind is exercised you don’t have time to fixate on your worries.
Try to keep your mind engaged throughout the day to avoid dwelling on negative thoughts.