Anxiety disorders affect people of every age, income group, race, and religion. All humans experience anxiety of some form, and it can be a positive motivator. If not for the anxiety of being late for work, you may not get out of bed some mornings. However, when anxiety impacts your quality of life, tips to help combat anxiety or an anxiety treatment program can help.
Getting treatment is one of the most important tips to help with anxiety. Treatment may include medication and modes of psychotherapy specifically focused on easing anxiety symptoms. To learn about the anxiety treatments available at Sophros Recovery Tampa and more tips to help combat anxiety, call 813.686.6306 today.
Anxiety Disorder vs. Everyday Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to a distressing situation. The main difference between typical anxiety and an anxiety disorder is that regular anxiety is situation-specific.
When the boss calls you into the office after you miss an important deadline, you probably feel tense. You can feel your heart race and your palms become sweaty in anticipation of the consequences you’re about to face.
People with anxiety disorders feel all those symptoms and more for no recognizable reason. Symptoms can come and go unexpectedly without relating to anything that’s happening in their lives. Anxiety symptoms are persistent and excessive. They can impact the person’s quality of life and prevent them from reaching important life goals.
Tips to Help With Anxiety Symptoms
Lifestyle changes offer useful tips to help combat anxiety even when you are taking medication and participating in therapy. Tips for anxiety that help you reduce stress and support your mental health are the most effective.
Practice Deep Breathing
Taking a deep breath is more therapeutic than you may realize. Measured breathing techniques can help decrease feelings of anxiety when they arise. Deep breathing exercises can also be done anytime and anywhere.
One of the easiest breathing exercises is to breathe in slowly to the count of four then breathe out slowly to the count of four. Concentrate on creating a steady, even flow of breath for about five minutes. Steady breathing automatically slows the heart rate and helps you feel calm.
Consider Aromatherapy
More research is needed to confirm the efficacy of aromatherapy, but many anecdotal reports suggest that using essential oils can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Diffuse only pure essential oils, or place a small drop of essential oil on a cotton ball to breathe in the scent. Some of the most popular aromatherapy scents for anxiety include:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Sandalwood
- Sweet basil
- Jasmine
- Clary sage
Follow all guidelines for using essential oils. Do not ingest them or use them directly on the skin without proper dilution. Place the scent nearby where you can breathe it in and focus on feeling calmer for a few minutes.
Exercise
Sometimes, the best way to leave anxious thoughts behind is to walk away—literally. Getting your body moving can boost your mood, relieve stress, and calm your mind. When considering how to combat anxiety, meditative exercises like yoga, tai-chi, and walking may be the most helpful.
Identify Your Triggers
Working with a therapist can help you identify the situations and people that trigger anxiety symptoms. Common triggers include pain, stress, or certain substances, such as caffeine and nicotine. Anxiety can also be a side-effect of certain medications and illicit substances.
Being honest with your physician or therapist about any substances you are taking is one of the best tips for anxiety management.
Get Help Combatting Anxiety at Sophros Recovery Tampa
Anxiety disorders are serious mental health concerns. Symptoms typically get worse without treatment. If the physical or mental effects of anxiety are interfering with your life, using these tips may help.
Get help minimizing symptoms through anxiety treatment; call Sophros Recovery Tampa at 813.686.6306 or use our convenient online contact form.
