Anxiety is a normal response to everyday scenarios, even if your sensitivities are different from others. It’s an appropriate emotional reaction in some situations.
It’s a problem, though, when your anxiety arises easily or out of proportion with the moment. However, it’s not an unusual problem, and it’s one that psychiatrist Jon Deam, MD deals with regularly at Dr. Jon Deam. You may have anxieties about social situations, specific fears, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety without a specific focus.
Regardless of your anxiety condition or the reasons behind it, there are changes you can make to your life that support wellness in general while improving your reaction to anxious moments and situations. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of these changes offer other wellness benefits too. Let’s take a look at some of these generally healthy habits.
Engage in exercise and physical activity
At the top of many lists for dealing with anxiety is exercise. Physical activity is a proven mood-booster. It doesn’t matter if you walk, swim, cycle, or practice yoga. Exercise stimulates the production of neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin, substances that counter the effects of depression.
The chemical effects are only the beginning. Once you’re into the exercise habit, you’ll feel a boost of confidence and self-esteem. You can build social connections and generally feel positive about life, all great ways to counter the impact of anxiety.
Stress healthy eating and drinking
Whenever exercise gets mentioned, can diet be far behind? It turns out that what you eat has benefits for your mental as well as physical health. Highly processed foods and added sugars tend to cause higher levels of perceived stress. Stress, in turn, often triggers overeating and poor food choices.
Instead, choose fresh, whole foods that are rich in nutrients. As you develop the healthy eating habit, good food choices tend to build on each other. You may even find you lose your taste for junk food.
Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can also lower your anxiety levels. Quitting smoking and using recreational drugs does the same, despite the inaccurate impression that the latter are stress relievers.
Prioritize sleep
There’s so much recharging power in a good night’s rest that conquering a sleep disorder can change your life. It’s another case where positive changes reinforce positive changes. Reduce the amount of anxiety you experience and you’ll spend fewer restless nights worrying needlessly.
Understand your anxiety
It’s always easiest to fear the unknown. When you experience anxiety without understanding why or how it works, it has the upper hand. This is where you can benefit from talk therapy and life coaching. Dr. Jon understands the ins and outs of anxiety.
He works to get at the source of yours, explaining it in a way that helps you recognize how the process lives in you. Understanding and acceptance are often the first steps in conquering any bad habit, and it’s no different with anxiety.
Find out more about how you can tackle an anxiety disorder by contacting Dr. Jon Deam by phone or online. Scheduling your consultation with Dr. Deam is the first step. Book your session today.
