Terri Ramsey Beavers Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes feelings of worry, fear, or unease that can interfere with daily activities. While everyone experiences anxiety in some form from time to time, those who have an anxiety disorder may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with everyday situations. Here are some tips to help reduce anxiety and live a happier life:
1) Identify Healthy Coping Mechanisms And Stick To Them
When it comes to your mental health, everyone has their own ways of coping with stress and anxiety. For example, some people like to work out, some like to drink or eat their feelings, and some bury themselves in their work. While many of these coping mechanisms can be effective in the short term, they often aren’t healthy in the long run.
Identifying your healthy coping mechanisms and sticking to them is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. If you know that you always feel better after a workout, make sure to schedule time for exercise in your day. If you know that you tend to overindulge when you’re stressed out, find healthier ways to deal with your emotions, like journaling or talking to a friend.
2) Talk To Your Doctor About Glycine
If you’re struggling with anxiety, one supplement that you may want to talk to your doctor about is glycine. Glycine is an amino acid that’s been shown to have anti-anxiety effects. In one study, people who took glycine before a stressful event reported feeling less anxious than those who didn’t take the supplement.
If you think glycine may be right for you, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to take and what the correct dosage would be. Keep in mind that it’s important not to self-medicate and only to take them under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
3) Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that involves focusing your attention on the present moment. Research has shown that mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental well-being.
If you’re new to mindfulness, plenty of resources are available to help you get started. Many apps, such as Headspace and Calm, offer guided mindfulness meditations. You can also find books, podcasts, and articles about mindfulness online.
4) Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for both your physical and mental health. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to feel anxious and stressed out. In fact, sleep deprivation can actually worsen anxiety symptoms.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, you can try a few things, such as avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening, establishing a bedtime routine, and making sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.
Anxiety can be a complex condition to live with, but there are many things you can do to reduce your symptoms. If you’re struggling with anxiety, talk to your doctor and try some of the tips listed above. With time and effort, you can learn to manage your anxiety and live a happy and healthy life.