Stress and Anxiety Management: 6 Super Effective Ways To Cope
Stress and anxiety typically come in different forms. One can feel stressed or anxious because they've been "on" for too long or they're looking forward to a frightening task/situation. But it can also become the person's usual state of mind.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition characterized by persistent worry over several things. People with GAD will generally panic or feel overly concerned about their finances, job, to-dos, family, and social life (social anxiety). It isn't limited to a day, week, or month; it's how you'll usually find them.
And the sad part is there might actually be no cause for worry, but they just can't help but feel afraid.
Whether you have a generalized anxiety disorder or are currently exposed to a stressor, stress can severely hamper your quality of life. There are straightforward, practical ways you can manage stress and anxiety.
Here are a few ways to cope below…
1. Make an effort to think positively
You find yourself worrying over both significant and trivial issues. Most times, you have no real control over such issues; other times, you realize things proceeded smoothly and there was no reason to worry. Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones can help you manage anxiety.
2. Talk to someone
Talking to someone about your worries and concerns can bring relief to stress and anxiety. Just speaking alone helps. When you keep things in, you become like an inflated balloon about to explode. There's pent-up pressure that can ease up just by sharing. Even when the person can't find a solution, knowing that someone cares to listen to your challenges goes a long way in stress and anxiety management.
3. Eat well-balanced meals
As with all health issues, healthy foods greatly help in stress management, whether GAD or Social Anxiety Disorder. Certain nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals promote stress relief. If you're deficient, it's advisable to fill in the gap with real vitamins from supplements. Eating good foods containing these nutrients will also help improve your mood and "feel-good" hormone levels.
4. Get enough sleep
Although sleeping might not help with GAD, it sure helps after a long day/week. Your brain gets mentally tired—stressed—when its overworked. Mental exertions at work throughout the week can lead to mood swings, lack of motivation, and worrying over what the next day holds. On the other hand, quality restorative sleep gives the brain its much-deserved rest.
5. Exercise daily
Physical exercises do not only serve to build muscles but also help to relieve stress. You tend to feel better (enhanced mood) after a workout session due to elevate endorphin and serotonin levels. Maintaining a physically active lifestyle will therefore help to keep stress and anxiety at bay.
6. Meditate
Meditation, which is all about focusing on the present, actually helps to address stress by reversing your stress response. It's not about being religious; it's about acknowledging your soul and existence in the present rather than focusing on "what might be". Thinking about what might happen is often the prelude to short-term anxiety.
Whenever you feel those negative thoughts ravaging your mind like a mighty storm, pause, close your eyes, count to 10, focus on your breath, and feel your mind emptying.
When worrying becomes natural to you, stress and anxiety management is something you should make a lifestyle. Meditate and exercise every chance you get, think more positively, do your best, and leave everything else to chance. Things will work out.
Cover Photo Credit: Photo by Aleksandr Ledogorov on Unsplash