6 Tips for Managing an Anxiety Disorder

A lot of people experience anxiety in stressful situations, whether it be in their careers or social lives. However, if you suffer from an anxiety disorder like generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety, you likely have unique struggles that can be difficult to overcome.

Those who suffer from anxiety disorders experience intense levels of fear and anxiety for prolonged periods of time. Anxiety disorders often cause physical symptoms, like dizziness, headaches, trembling, sweating, light-headedness, and nausea. In extreme cases, these disorders interfere with everyday life, as excessive worries and fears can discourage people from performing simple tasks.

While there is no one definitive cure for anxiety, you can take certain steps to alleviate the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Here are 6 effective tips for reducing the severity of your anxiety disorder.

1. Exercise

For a lot of people, combatting an anxiety disorder is as simple as exercising frequently.

Exercise has been proven to reduce your body’s stress hormones, like cortisol, over the long term and release endorphins that naturally improve your mood.

Exercising will also improve your confidence and self-image, which can help in reducing fears and anxieties in social situations.

2. Cut Out Caffeine

Caffeine, in the form of coffee, soda, or energy drinks, has the potential to increase anxiety when it is present in high doses. Consider replacing these beverages with water, as it keeps your body properly hydrated and your hormone levels in check.

If you find it difficult to completely cut caffeine out of your diet, consume it in moderation.

3. Spend Time Around Others

Spending time around others, whether it be family members or friends, can help prepare you to thrive in situations where social interaction can’t be avoided, like at your workplace.

Fostering social relationships with others will give you a solid support system to lean on during stressful times. Additionally, being around people you are close to has been proven to increase the release of oxytocin, which acts as a natural stress reliever.

4. Do What Makes You Happy

Take time out of your day to decompress, whether it be through listening to music, watching your favorite T.V. show, or playing a musical instrument.

You have more control over aspects of your life than you sometimes notice. Don’t take on more than you can handle. If you aren’t up for spending a night out with friends and feel that your time would be spent better at home, you are allowed to say no to hanging out. Saying no, within reason, can be empowering and give you a sense of control over the things you feel anxious about.

5. Start a Journal

A journal full of your to-do lists, hopes, goals, and aspirations can help you stay organized. Having a concrete place to store and revisit your thoughts will provide you with much-needed stability that can reduce feelings of anxiousness.

6. Visit a Specialty Center for Anxiety

If you feel you need more direct intervention for treating symptoms of anxiety, there are specialty centers available. A specialty center is staffed with a team of medical professionals who utilize modern tools and techniques for relieving anxiety. For example, the transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and IV nutrition services at neurowellnessspa.com have helped countless patients manage the symptoms of their anxiety disorders.

These tips, while not absolute cures, are meant to improve the quality of life for those suffering from an anxiety disorder. While a physician’s advice should always be abided by, implementing these 6 tips into your daily life will help you feel more at ease. You know yourself better than anyone, so when considering these tips, only do what is manageable for you in your unique situation.