Daily habits which improve anxiety

9 daily habits that can reduce your anxiety

The good news is that you can learn to control your anxiety more effectively by implementing some simple coping strategies through practical habits in your daily life.

Anxiety has been called the disease of the century. But it's definitely not something new, anxiety has been part of the human condition throughout history, reports from antiquity point to anxiety as a characteristic present in the daily lives of men in Ancient Greece, for example. ( 1)

Anxiety is part of human life, the problem is when it gets out of hand.

According to the WHO, in the last 18 years there has been a significant increase in the frequency of disorders related to this symptom worldwide.

Recent studies have also shown that more screen time on cell phones and computers is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.(2)

What is surprising about this new study, however, is that it provides data to suggest that, over a four-year period, teenagers, who use social media a lot, show corresponding increases in their levels of anxiety and depression

And added to this, our stressful lifestyles seem to be contributing to increased anxiety.

Another factor to consider is that it can vary in severity from person to person: some more frequently, while others experience flare-ups triggered by life events.

Here are daily habits that will help you better manage your mental health.

Talking

Having a trusted friend and sharing your problems often can help you control your anxiety.

You don't have to suffer in silence. It can be extremely useful to tell someone close to you that you are suffering, rather than trying to keep it a secret.

When we are less ashamed of having anxiety and can admit it, it tends not to take center stage in the same way.

Exercise

There are many physical benefits to exercising every day, and one of those benefits is improving your mental health. Exercise regulates the brain's response to stress and relieves feelings of anxiety almost immediately.

Being grateful

Gratitude to God can change your mental health, especially in times of anxiety.

By choosing to be grateful, you can change your perspective and keep your anxious thoughts under control.

Practicing gratitude brings to mind good things, achievements, and takes your mind off negative fears.

Keeping a diary

Some experts recommend starting a diary to change your perspective

Writing down what you're thinking and feeling and your struggles every day can help you control your anxious thoughts.

When you see them on paper, they may not seem so threatening or oppressive. As a bonus, you can look back on previous days to see how far you've come and everything you've already overcome.

Practicing sleep hygiene

Establishing a healthy sleep routine every night is crucial to reducing your anxiety. Not getting enough sleep can make your symptoms much worse.

Although it may seem difficult to get a good night's sleep if your symptoms are increasing, going to bed at the same time every night and practicing other good sleep hygiene habits, such as avoiding electronic devices at night, reading a good book, if possible turning off all light sources will help.

Taking care of yourself

Self-care has become more popular than ever, and with good reason!

Taking care of yourself with little things every day can really make a difference to your anxiety.

Set aside time to take care of yourself, for example, for women take care of your hair, skin, make-up, get ready even if it's just to be at home, for some have a hobby like crafts, take care of plants, find something you like to do to sanitize your mind.

There are many ways to pamper yourself without spending too much.

Limit social media

Research suggests that young frequent social media users who spend more than two hours a day using social networks such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram are likely to report mental health problems, including psychological distress.

This kind of feeling arises, for example, when you see friends constantly on vacation or partying, giving you the feeling that they're missing out on something².

Social media has become a way of life for most people, but it can also serve as an anxiety trigger.

You don't have to get rid of it completely, just monitor your time and limit how often you check social media.

In fact, a recent study revealed that 86% of users become more anxious after using these platforms, 89% of users feel that social media negatively affects their mental health, and another report highlighted that 32% of users feel addicted to bad news online. (3, 4, 5)

Keeping things organized and clean

Organizing, tidying up around the house and cleaning may not seem like great anxiety management strategies at first glance, but they can actually work in two different ways.

Firstly, they get us to pay attention to our real lives in the present moment, rather than the imaginary problems in our heads.

Secondly, keeping a clean and organized home gives you a sense of order, and this sense you create affects the sense of order you feel in your head, creating a sense of calm.

Jordan Peterson, a famous Canadian psychologist, said: “When you tidy up your room, you begin to organize your landscape, schedule your time and take control of yourself”.

Read also 7 commandments of organization

Get outside

Spend some time outdoors! Just do it! You wouldn't believe the benefit to your mental health, giving you a new lease of life.

Even going outside for just a few minutes a day can make a difference and help you fight anxious thoughts and offer a serotonin boost.

Conclusion

As you can see, you can incorporate many habits into your daily life to help reduce anxiety

Although depending on the level and stage of symptoms seeking professional treatment should be considered, these are things you can do on your own to complement treatment and start taking control again.

In fact, modern life has cast aside the teachings and traditions of our ancestors, and we end up forgetting the basics of a healthy lifestyle such as going out, having friends, talking, but remember it's never too late to change that.