How to Treat Anxiety
If you are struggling with anxiety, you are not alone. The demands of everyday living have left more people searching for how to treat anxiety than ever. Searching for treatments is important, as long-term anxiety can cause unwanted psychological and health conditions.
While there is no universal answer to help all those struggling to cope, there are certainly many helpful approaches. This article take a holistic approach toward treating anxiety, meaning it acknowledges the physical, mental, and spiritual components of each person. Here are some simple and practical ways to treat anxiety:
- Take an online test. There are many credible anxiety and stress tests available online. These tests can help you measure your anxiety, as well as articulate what exactly is bothering you. Many tests also provide helpful health information related to the dangers of long-term anxiety. They may also provide suggestions for other online and print resources.
- Identify and write down the sources of anxiety in your life. Simply naming your struggles may be liberating. By writing down the causes of your anxiety, you have proactively taken ownership and control of them. They are solvable. Your sense of fear and dread may begin to give way to the possibility of hope and resolution.
- Talk with someone. Your friends and loved ones may be more than willing to work with you to alleviate the causes of your anxiety. Additionally, your local school, religious organization, or community center may have free or low-cost programs designed to help you along in your journey. Check with your school or employer about on-campus resources.
- Identify that which gives you life. Do you love the outdoors, reading, or the arts? Embrace your passions. They allow you engage the world in a positive way. They help give you meaning and purpose. They help you to define yourself outside of worry.
- Exercise at least three times each week. Constructive physical activity such as aerobic exercise helps your body regulate your physiological responses to anxiety and stress. Your physical and mental wellness will benefit from a regular exercise program.
How to Treat Anxiety
- Discipline yourself to maintain a balanced diet. Your body reacts to junk food especially poorly when you are feeling anxious or stressed. Learn to enjoy healthy comfort foods and nutritious snacks.
- Learn simple meditation techniques. Things like belly breathing exercises, stillness, and guided visualization can calm your body and mind. Meditation may also help you feel more centered and focused.
- Make a habit of getting enough sleep each night. Your body will be more physiologically able to handle life’s demands if it is well rested. To facilitate restful sleep, place a notebook and pen next to your bed. Write down your concerns, and leave them on the pad.
- Learn to deliver a tactful ‘no’. It is easy to accept too many roles and responsibilities. If your peer makes a request you can’t handle, say no. Explain that you want to do your best in your responsibilities, so you need to focus on those which you have already accepted. Ask your peer if you can help later when you can give your full attention.
- Help others. Giving yourself away to others through service may bring restoration and contentment to your own life. Get involved by becoming active in a local charitable organization related to one of your passions.
While this list is non-exhaustive, it provides a useful starting point for considering the many causes of anxiety and treatments available for managing it. If you are having serious struggles with anxiety stress, or depression, please do not hesitate to seek help. Contact a licensed professional to discuss your needs and options.