Dealing with Minor Anxiety/Stress
Anxiety is something everyone experiences at some point in their lives to varying degrees. Here are some tips for dealing with and preventing feelings of anxiety:
Focus on relaxing. This doesn’t mean crash in front of the TV, but working on a physical technique that will relax your mind and body. For example, calm, deep breathing has been linked to calming nerves. Other ideas might be slow stretching (if space allows), listening to soft music, or simply closing your eyes and pausing your activity for several seconds.
Focus on your body’s health. Make sure you are getting the correct amount of sleep (not too much or too little). The National Sleep Foundation recommends children ages 6-13 get 9-11 hours of sleep, teens ages 14-17 get 8-10 hours of sleep, and adults ages 18-64 get 7-9 hours of sleep. Eat balanced, nutritious meals to ensure your body is operating at it’s best potential; avoid overdoing sugar and caffeine. Regular exercise also helps maintain healthy bodily function.
Focus on personal connections. Spend casual time with family or friends. Simply relaxing with people close to us reinforces feelings of support in our lives, which can have positive influence on our mental state.
Focus on nature. If possible, when feelings of anxiety start to creep in, head outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Going for a walk not only changes your environment (which can help), but it has the added benefit of exercise, and if you go with someone, can help you connect personally.
These tips are meant to help with minor feelings of anxiety/stress; extreme anxiety may be a sign of an anxiety disorder, and this should be discussed with your primary health care provider.
If you have any questions, please call either office or reach out to us through our website.
Information compiled from articles from the Mayo Clinic, NCH, and the National Sleep Foundation