By: Maja Talevska
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health problems of modern people. Millions around the world are trying to cope with these issues. So if you feel like no one understands you, know that you’re not alone.
According to the Anxiety Statistics, 3.8% of the world’s population suffered from anxiety in 2017. In the US, it affects 18.1% of all adults yearly. In this article, we share five tips for reducing anxiety.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
An unbalanced diet is one of the reasons why people are anxious. It may sound strange to some, but the ingredients we consume can profoundly affect our mind and make us feel stressed, anxious, and depressed.
One of the most significant triggers of our anxiety attacks is processed food, such as meat in burgers. A lot of vegan products are also massive triggers. Some of them include coffee, sodas, and even toast made from white bread.
It’s best to do your research on the foods and drinks you regularly consume. That’s how you can find the problematic ingredient and exclude it from your diet.
Be Mindful of Your Sleep Patterns
The sleep-wake cycle is crucial for maintaining the overall feeling of happiness. When we sleep, our body and mind regenerate. The chemical processes and hormones that work while we’re resting are essential for going through the day without being affected by any outside stress factors.
Some people with anxiety have a hard time sleeping for extended periods. However, being in the REM phase of sleep for at least a couple of hours is essential. Remember that you can always seek professional help if you are struggling to get a good night’s rest.
Enjoy Things That Make You Laugh
When you laugh, the brain is unable to generate stress. Laughter instantly makes us feel happy, and the serotonin released keeps its effects long after we stop laughing.
Different things make us laugh. Therefore, it’s important to find out what makes you laugh and practice it daily. It may be stand-up comedy, movies, watching videos of puppies, or spending time with a person that makes you laugh.
Listen to Music Regularly
Music is one of those things that trigger the work of the hormones that battle anxiety. Listening to music and producing it lowers the stress hormone cortisol. If you do this daily, the mind will adapt to this way of functioning.
Try Meditation
Many people think that meditation is only for a particular type of person. What they don’t know is that meditation involves different activities. The simplest one is counting to 10 and breathing deeply. This method helps you avoid stress by focusing on positive things.
Intense meditation throughout the day can relieve stress as well. Focusing on positive thoughts creates a pattern for the brain, which lowers anxiety. After some time, the mind will completely obliterate anxious thoughts.
Conclusion
Everyone’s looking for a magic pill to reduce anxiety and turn things around. The truth is that there’s no such thing. You need to follow some of the practices mentioned in this article to become anxiety-free. Be persistent and you’ll ultimately get rid of the anxious feeling.
