How To Cope With Anxiety – 8 Actionable Ideas

According to the Anxiety And Depression Association of America, 40 million adults in the US are affected by anxiety disorders (1).

A little anxiety is a normal part and parcel of our lives, thanks to our hectic lifestyles. But when dealing with it becomes a constant struggle, you need to take control and not allow it to take a toll on your health and well-being. Keep reading for some great hacks to battle anxiety naturally.

Natural Ways To Deal With Anxiety

1. Laugh Out Loud

Do anything that diverts your mind and makes you laugh – be it watching a stand-up comedy or a funny video or scrolling through memes. This can help in alleviating all the anxiety built up within you by distracting your mind and promoting the secretion of endorphins (happy hormones). Laughing is also great for your overall mental health (2).

2. Exercise All The Way

A brisk walk, a quick jog, or aerobics can help you relax mentally and also reduce the symptoms of anxiety. You should also keep in mind that high-intensity regimens were found to be more effective than low-intensity regimens (3).

3. Meditate

Meditation is a technique in which an individual tries focusing their mind on an object or thought while trying to gain mental awareness and achieve an emotionally calm state. Practicing meditation therapies like yoga can trigger neurotransmitters that help modulate symptoms of anxiety (4).

4. Don’t Miss Out On Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for your body in more than one way. Sleep disturbances are very commonly associated with anxiety disorders (5). Focusing on getting ample sleep, say about 7-8 hours every night, could be a great approach to deal with anxiety.

5. Practice Deep Breathing

Like meditation, deep breathing is a popular relaxation technique that helps in improving mood and reducing stress levels. According to a study published in the journal Cognition and Emotion, deep breathing can reduce symptoms of anxiety significantly and improve performance (6).

6. Try Out Essential Oils

Aromatherapy using essential oils can do wonders for those out-of-the-blue anxiety attacks. Add a drop or two of any essential oil, say lavender or chamomile, to a diffuser. Inhale the diffused air and experience all your worldly woes getting washed away. The bonus? You will also be able to sleep better (7).

7. Eat Healthy

Eating healthy impacts more than just your physical appearance. It not only promotes your mental health but can also help a great deal in battling anxiety. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology states that higher intake of raw fruits and vegetables is directly related to higher mental health outcomes (8).

[ Read: 15 Brain-boosting Foods You Should Add To Your Shopping List ]

8. Avoid Alcohol And Caffeine

Alcohol and caffeinated drinks also have the potential to trigger anxiety issues (9), (10). While drinking alcohol or caffeine may provide short-term relief from anxiety initially, excessive use of such drinks can induce anxiety in the long run. Hence, it is best to cut down or stop the intake of alcohol and caffeine.

These tips should help you tackle anxiety. But if you are prone to severe anxiety attacks, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to rule out other underlying causes. If you are already taking medications for anxiety, these tips will help enhance their efficacy and are definitely worth a shot.

What are your go-to tips for dealing with anxiety? Share them with us in the comments section below.

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Reviewer Author

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser