Do you suffer from anxiety? If so, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults. That’s a lot of people who are struggling to keep their anxiety under control.
The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to relax when you have anxiety. Here are some tips:
- Get moving. Exercise is a great way to reduce anxiety. It helps to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties.
- Take some time for yourself. Make sure to schedule in some “me time” every day. This can be spent reading, taking a bath, or doing whatever else makes you feel relaxed.
- Connect with loved ones. Spending time with loved ones can help reduce anxiety. They can provide support and help you to feel more connected.
- Avoid caffeine. Caffeine can make anxiety worse. If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s best to avoid or limit caffeine.
- Practice deep breathing. Deep breathing is a relaxation technique that can help to reduce anxiety. Try to take slow, deep breaths and focus on your breath.
- Try relaxation techniques. There are a number of relaxation techniques that can help to reduce anxiety. These include progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and meditation.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for overall health and can also help to reduce anxiety. Make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Challenge your anxiety. One way to reduce anxiety is to challenge your negative thoughts. When you have an anxious thought, try to counter it with a positive one.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can actually make anxiety worse. It’s best to avoid alcohol if you’re struggling with anxiety.
- Seek professional help. If your anxiety is really severe, you may want to seek professional help. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety.
Anxiety can be a tough thing to deal with, but there are a number of things you can do to relax. By following these tips, you can start to reduce your anxiety and feel better.