Does anxiety sometimes make it hard for you to focus on your work?
If so, you’re not alone; anxiety is the most common mental health problem in the UK. Anxiety can present itself in lots of different ways, but the most common symptoms are fear, excessive worry and a feeling of dread of unease. This can be very upsetting, but thankfully there are things that you can do to help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Here are seven tips to help you deal with anxiety.
1. How To Deal With Anxiety: Get To The Root Of The Problem
Anxiety is often exacerbated by stressful situations, so sit down and try to work out if anything specific is making your anxiety worse. Maybe you’re a working parent and you feel like you have no work life balance, or maybe you are in a toxic relationship with someone who doesn’t care about your mental health. Either way, getting to the root of the problem will make it easier for you to reduce your anxiety symptoms in the future.
2. Exercise Frequently
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, so try to make regular exercise a part of your weekly routine. But don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym four times a week. A simple 10 minute yoga workout in the morning will also help to reduce your anxiety!
3. Try Supplements
Certain supplements can also help with anxiety. For instance, magnesium helps to relax your muscles, and omega-three fatty acids can improve your mood and reduce inflammation. This can help to reduce general feelings of anxiety throughout the day.
4. Speak To A Therapist
If you are really struggling with anxiety you may want to consider speaking to a therapist. They will help you to understand your anxiety and your triggers, and they can also teach you mental habits to help manage anxiety. If you are worried about the cost of private therapy, you can speak to your doctor to find out about more about therapy available through the NHS.
5. Cut Out Alcohol And Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can make the symptoms of anxiety significantly worse, so we suggest avoiding both if you are struggling mentally. It may be hard to cut out caffeine initially, but decaf options normally taste just as good (and after a few weeks you should notice that you are less anxious!).
6. Consider Aromatherapy
Research has found that certain aromatherapy scents can help with anxiety. For instance, the smell of lavender can reduce stress and increase feelings of calmness, which can make it easier for you to sleep at night. Simply put a few drops of lavender oil in your night-time bath, or put a drop on your pillow before you go to sleep.
7. Relieve Stress With Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Finally you can relieve stress with progressive muscle relaxation techniques. These techniques involve relaxing and tensing different muscles in the body, which will help to ground you in the moment and reduce anxiety. You can find out more about progressive muscle relaxation by clicking here.
