Sometimes all you want to do is hit the pause button. By default, and often by our choices, life has a tendency to leave us overwhelmed. However, there are easy-to-incorporate changes that can be an effective treatment for stress and anxiety, and that when used effectively, can provide you with a breath of fresh air.
What is Stress and Anxiety?
Stress is your survival mechanism. It signals your body and mind that there is a challenge at hand. When you’re stressed, the body produces cortisol and adrenaline to help you react to that threat.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is about anticipating threats. It’s your brain’s way of preparing for what might happen and prepare us to react or fight back.
These responses played a crucial role in human survival, but in the modern world, these emotions are triggered by constant emails, deadlines, and headlines, which are constant stressors that are more than our brains were ever designed to handle. While we can’t hit pause on the world, we can make daily choices that serve as effective treatments for stress and anxiety.
Recognizing the Signs
If you are experiencing any of the following, it might be time to try some new tips for reducing stress and anxiety.
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased heart rate
- Mood swings
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
How to Treat Stress and Anxiety
Do: Prioritize exercise and movement. Try going for a 15-minute walk, a gym session, or a yoga class. Exercise releases endorphins and offers a healthy outlet for built-up tension.
Don’t: Spend hours on the couch endlessly scrolling on your phone or binge-watching a series. It may feel like a break, but it often doesn’t give your brain the rest it truly needs.
Do: Eat healthier foods and well-balanced meals filled with protein, carbs, and plenty of water.
Don’t: Overdo it with excessive caffeine, alcohol, or processed sugary foods. This can leave you feeling bloated, affect your mood, and heighten anxiety.
Do: Connect with friends and family. Whether it’s talking things through with a friend or sharing a good laugh, social connections help release endorphins—the “feel good” chemical.
Don’t: Isolate yourself. While it is important to take some “me-time,” it’s important to find a healthy balance. Too much alone time can worsen anxiety and stress and lead to depression.
Do: Talk to a counselor or therapist. A professional can help untangle any racing thoughts and offer coping tools. Ask your doctor about alternative treatment options if you need extra support for your mental health.
Don’t: Reach for quick fixes or over-the-counter solutions. They might offer quick and temporary relief, but they won’t get to the root of the issue.
Finding an effective treatment for stress and anxiety doesn’t mean escaping the world, it means learning how to live in it with more intention and balance. Use these tips for reducing stress and anxiety as a guide. Even the smallest shift in your daily habit can make a big difference in your mental health. Reach out today to learn more.
