In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, with this year’s theme focused on Anxiety, we want to shine a light on this important topic and share tips on how to better understand and manage this state of being.
In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it can feel like we’re living under increasing pressure to perform, succeed and reach goals. The reality is, high stress can lead to an increase in cortisol, the primary stress hormone, and adrenaline, leading us to feel in constant fight, flight or freeze mode. Short bursts of stress can help us to overcome difficult situations, however when stress escalates to a high level for long periods of time, this can have a detrimental effect on how we function on a daily basis.
One of the most common symptoms of chronic stress is anxiety, of which the symptoms include feelings of worry, fear, overwhelm and apprehension. Managing anxiety helps to improve our overall happiness, motivation, and enjoyment in life, and can prevent us from developing health issues.
This guest blog by Amelia Ruth explores how to identify the signs of anxiety, and 7 tips on how to manage anxiety in your everyday life.
Signs of anxiety
Anxiety can manifests in many ways. While mild anxiety can present in different situations, frequent episodes of intense fear or terror can feel very alarming - however intense, being mindful of how to manage anxiety can help to create a greater sense of ease each day.
Common anxiety symptoms include worry, restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, tremor, fatigue, and having trouble sleeping.
Support options
There can be many different underlying causes of anxiety, and so it’s important to explore different options for support.
Doctors may often prescribe medication that will assist with reducing symptoms of anxiety to help you feel more relaxed. While medication can help some, it may not be as effective for others, and so it’s important to explore a holistic approach to managing anxiety, to help you enhance your awareness of the root cause. This can include diet, exercise, sleep, psychological support, online Mindfulness resources and educational opportunities in your workplace.
7 tips to help manage anxiety
1. Practice breathing techniques. Simple, yet incredibly effective. Practising breathing techniques can make a long-lasting impact. When we feel anxious, we can experience shallow and rapid breaths. Such breathing may lower oxygen and elevate carbon dioxide in our blood circulation, and this results in increased heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, and fatigue, to name a few.
Many deep breathing exercises can help you to change this pattern, reduce stress, and calm your mind and body. There are many approaches to try out, and a common technique is called 4-7-8 breathing. It involves inhaling through the nose for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling through the mouth for 8 seconds.
2. Recruit support and talk to someone. We can feel much better when we share our thoughts and feelings with someone we love, appreciate, and trust. Sharing challenging emotions can help to take the pressure off your shoulders, and create more ease.
As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. Whether you speak to a friend, partner, family member, colleague or join a support group of people who are experiencing similar challenges, identify what would help you most and notice how this can alleviate feelings of stress and worry.
3. Find a reason to laugh. According to studies, enjoyed a good chuckle can benefit your mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research shows that laughter can decrease stress. In addition, it can provide a surge of neurotransmitters linked to positive emotions, such as dopamine and serotonin.
Try to look for humour in your everyday life, and enjoy a good laugh - you can find inspiration in books, movies, and in spending time with friends, to name a few.
4. Keep a positive attitude. When you first start noticing signs of anxiety, bring your awareness to what brings you joy - from the small things to the bigger things.
It may sound easier said than done, but living with an anxiety disorder does not define who you are - it’s what you’re experiencing at this time in your life, and it can change with the right kind of support for you; you can still lead a productive and meaningful life.
5. Eat a healthy and nutritious diet. As the saying goes, we are what we eat.
The most recommended brain boosting foods include fish fat, berries, turmeric, broccoli, dark chocolate, nuts, coffee, and seeds. It’s important to be aware of consuming too many processed foods, sugary snacks and drinks, fried foods, and alcohol.
Studies have shown that good quality nutrition plays an important role in contributing to the prevention of poor mental health, and that nurturing your mental and physical health in equal measure is vital for your overall health and wellbeing.
6. Practice regular physical activity. Practising any sport for 30 minutes to an hour each day or every few days is a brilliant way to relieve any pressure and calm your mind and body. Whether it’s running, cycling, gardening, yoga or dancing - pick something you enjoy and look forward to doing.
There are many benefits of regular exercise and the impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Keeping fit and managing your diet is essential for leading a healthy lifestyle.
7. Nurture your sleep routine. Sleep is the time when our body flushes out toxins, regenerates, integrates memory, and undergoes a series of other changes that are crucial for our wellbeing.
Studies show that there is a direct correlation between sleep deprivation and anxiety levels. Therefore, prioritising your sleep can help to support your cognitive functions and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Find what works for you
Anxiety disorders are very common conditions; busy lives, tight schedules, chronic stress, and unhealthy habits can have a disempowering effect on our mental health.
It’s essential to take measures to help you cope with stress, and therefore manage anxiety. Relax and stay healthy, munch on the best brain foods, follow the above tips, and in time, you’ll start to notice the benefits.
While these tips are a great starting point for anyone experiencing symptoms of anxiety, if your symptoms are persisting or your struggling to cope day-to-day, it’s always advisable to consult with your medical doctor for professional guidance.
Amelia Ruth is a Freelance Blogger and Representative of Health and Beauty Websites. She loves to share her ideas of health and wellness. Helping people with health and skincare is her hobby. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.