7 steps that help with anxiety management
Humans experience a varied range of emotions, and anxiety is one of those natural feelings. But when this feeling tends to become a regular ordeal and leads to other complications, it becomes a mental condition that needs the right amount of care. Anxiety alters how one processes and responds to a heightened state of emotion. Such emotional changes also lead to physical reciprocations, such as high blood pressure and migraine.
Various anxiety-management methodologies have been adopted to keep a check on such a condition, here are some to take note of:
1. Recognizing the triggers
One of the essential aims of anxiety management pertains to identifying the triggers that cause attacks in an individual. Common examples of such triggers range from stress at the workplace to a general lack of sleep. Taking a note of these triggers and jotting them down in a diary helps in identifying the problem areas, which leads to a better understanding of how to manage this illness.
2. Treating physical symptoms
Anxiety management also involves taking note of any physical discomfort that is induced by this condition. Some of the symptoms that involve the onset of anxiety are dizziness, rapid heart rate, sweating, migraines, pain in parts of the body, and insomnia. Identifying these signs and treating them in a timely manner is vital for better management of panic and anxiety attacks.
3. Changing the daily routine
Making changes in everyday life to adapt to mental conditions is a great step in anxiety management. These lifestyle changes may involve following a proper sleep routine, making time for fitness activities, and eating healthy foods. Such steps could help in inducing endorphins that aid in better coping with usual stressors.
4. Manage stress
The process of anxiety management involves learning how to manage everyday stress so that potential triggers don’t elevate the symptoms. Practicing the organization of important tasks and deadlines is vital so that one’s flow of the day is in control. Furthermore, taking time off from professional commitments and practicing interests that give emotional satisfaction also aid in lowering anxiety levels.
5. Psychological counseling
Anxiety-management methods crucially involves undertaking psychological counseling, which may comprise cognitive-behavioral therapy or the clubbing of different treatment options. The process of cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to identify and alter potentially harmful thought patterns that give rise to anxiousness and troublesome feelings. The treatment options help limit distorted thinking patterns and alter the way patients react to certain situations as well as triggering objects. Such steps encourage patients to face their fears as well as lower their sensitivity to usual triggers. Another popular treatment method is exposure therapy that targets dealing with the potential fears that trigger anxiety disorder. Exposure therapy involves engaging the patient in activities or situations that are being avoided as they cause anxiety. The therapist uses various relaxation exercises as well as imagery to help patients overcome their feelings of anxiety.
6. Getting prescribed
The treatment and management of anxiety disorders also involve the use of prescriptions as it aids in altering the way the brain uses certain chemicals to lower stress and boost mood. This treatment plan, however, doesn’t give instant results but proves helpful in the long run.
7. Keeping a check on nutrition
The feeling of anxiety often causes people to have comfort foods to relax their nerves. Having rich foods can work as a sedative that lowers the activity of the central nervous system, which helps one feel relaxed. But people suffering from anxiety-related disorders may end up having more than the appropriate amount to cope with stress without considering how these foods affect physical and mental wellbeing in the long run.
8. Adopting relaxation techniques
The problem of anxiety can also be well managed by practicing certain relaxation techniques. Some popular examples may include performing progressive muscle relaxation that guides on tightening a group of muscles and then relaxing it at regular intervals. Another well-known relaxation technique is the sensory focus that aids in bringing back concentration toward taste, smell, and sounds surrounding the individual. This mindfulness exercise helps the brain to focus on the present situation. Performing deep-breathing exercises also proves helpful as these help relax the entire body. Deep breathing gradually fills the lungs, which subsequently helps raise the heart rate. Practicing other breathing-related exercises and relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi prove equally effective in treating the symptoms of anxiety.