Ways You Can Reduce Stress And Anxiety

June 6, 2022

Living through a time in life where you are crippled with stress and anxiety is a challenge and a very hard burden to bear. It is one where most of us have found ourselves, at one time or another, and one that many stay with you day in and day out. Whether you suffer from chronic anxiety and stress, or you find yourself in a hard season dealing with these debilitating issues, there is hope and there is help. Sometimes you can help deal with the hard times using some suggestions, like the ones we cover here today, or sometimes you need to seek professional help. Do whatever you need to do to get yourself to the other side. And don’t rule anything out until you’ve tried it. Sometimes the strangest advice I’ve ever received was actually the key to helping me through a troubling time.

17 Ways To Combat Stress And Anxiety

Here are some suggestions, ideas, and ways we’ve found that can help to combat anxiety and stress. They are not the only ways, just a few ideas and advice that might help you in your journey.

Talk to someone – Whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or all the above, don’t suffer alone. Talk to someone, they can have a great perspective of your situation that you can’t see right now. Never be afraid or embarrassed to tell someone and ask for help. Everyone needs help sometimes
Take a break – Whatever is causing your stress or feelings of anxiety, take a step back and pick up something you enjoy. Watch your favorite movie, start a new book, listen to your favorite music, sometimes just stepping away from your source of stress for a little while gives you a chance to clear your mind and gives you better perspective
Eat healthy and eat often – Make sure you aren’t missing any meals and make healthy meal choices. When your body is fueled with protein, vitamins, and minerals your body is strong and better prepared to help you deal with your circumstances. Because of the prevalence of cardiac disease in the United States, a cardiologist is a vital member of the medical community.
Think about natural supplements – There are some natural supplements that are known to reduce anxiety and stress: lemon balm, green tea, omega-3 fatty acids, valerian, and ashwagandha are a few
Get some form of exercise everyday – You don’t have to run a marathon every single day, but do get up and move your body, go for a walk, take a bike ride through your neighborhood or closest park. If it’s bad weather, find a mall or an indoor gym with a walking track. When your body is physically put under stress by exercising it actually relieves mental stress, as exercise itself lowers stress hormones. Having a friend or family member to exercise with you is good for accountability and gives you the chance to talk to someone else about what you are struggling with
Cut back on the alcohol and caffeine – Caffeine and alcohol have the tendency to trigger or escalate panic attacks, and they can cause jittery behavior and keep you from getting the right amount of sleep that your body needs. Reduce the amount you consume of these two substances as you navigate these times
Sleep must be a priority – Getting a good night of sleep every night is essential during times like this because your body requires even more sleep when you are stressed
Try and calm yourself – Learn to take deep breaths, count to 10 or 20, repeat these over and over until you feel you are calmer and more relaxed
Laugh often – A sense of humor is a great asset in beating stress and anxiety. Laughing may not fix things but it gives you a release from the pressure and puts your mind in a happier place
Try and keep a positive attitude – Though things may seem bad, there is always something to be grateful for. Even when we are going through hard times, there are still good things in our lives. Focus on the good things, be grateful for them and see how those good things can help you through the bad things
Volunteer – Helping others is always a wonderful way to get the focus off of ourselves and on to other people. What better way to lift your spirits than to help someone who is also going through a hard time, it helps you put things in perspective
Essential oil and scented candles – Certain scents have been known to have calming properties and it is called aromatherapy. Whether as an essential oil or a scented candle, some of these scents are: rose, lavender, neroli, bergamot, sandalwood, orange or orange blossom, frankincense, and geranium. Aromatherapy has been proven to calm anxiety and help people to sleep better
Journal – A good way to deal with stress and anxiety is to write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. For every stress or worry you write down, write down one good thing you have in your life, causing you to take your focus from the bad to the good
Chew some gum – I know it might sound crazy, but chewing gum is a positive stress reliever. When we chew gum it causes a flow of blood to our brain and puts us in a more relaxed state
Spend time with people you love – Anxiety and stress can cause us to want to retreat and be alone, but that’s one of the worst things you can do. Surround yourself with family, friends, co-workers, the people that you care for and care for you. Being around people we enjoy helps our bodies to release a natural stress reducing hormone called oxytocin
Be selective with your time – A good way to say this one is, learn to say no. Stress breeds when you over commit yourself and you try to spread yourself thin by doing too many things at one time. Prioritize what’s important to you and say no to everything else
Don’t procrastinate – Procrastination is a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. If you are someone who struggles with procrastination, start by making a list of what needs to be done everyday, the time you think you need to accomplish it and which things take highest priority, then check each item off your list as you complete it. This can help you stay focused and keep in mind the important things you need to do each day
Adopt a pet – Nothing helps relieve stress and bring joy and companionship into your life more than having a pet. They give purpose, love, and bring a sense of hope, reducing stress and anxiety and bring happiness

Stress Relief And Mental Wellbeing

As we each come through hard times in life, we find ways to deal with stress and anxiety and what works best for us as individuals. We hope these suggestions help you navigate difficult times in your life. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and take whatever steps necessary to get you through to better, brighter days.

This article is intended to provide an understanding of and knowledge about “health topics” as expressed through the perspective and research of the author. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or counsel, including the diagnosis or treatment of any condition. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, illness or treatment of any listed or non listed situation above. By using this site, you signify your assent to our Terms and Conditions.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety

https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-to-reduce-stress-3145195

https://adaa.org/tips