Healthy Ways to Keep Anxiety at Bay
By Kim Thomas
The changing of the seasons, especially a time as symbolic as the spring, where the world seems to come alive again after being dormant during the long winter months can trigger anxiety for people who struggle with change and the unknown. While other people look forward to new opportunities and adventures, people with anxiety focus on what can go wrong. The truth is, anxiety knows no season and can be a constant struggle for those who are afflicted by it, which is why it’s important to find ways to keep your anxiety at bay and reduce your stress when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few ideas for putting you on the right track. Get Support It’s important to understand that you are not the only person combatting anxiety. If you find support from a therapist or support group, you will learn coping strategies and get inspiration and a boost from people just like you. Sometimes just knowing that you are not alone and having a safe space to share your fears is enough to help you keep going and find ways to minimize your anxiety. You also may need support for another issue relating to your anxiety or underlying mental health condition: addiction. If you are a recovering addict or are at risk of becoming an addict, you should seek treatment to have a better chance of approaching every day in a positive, healthy way. Keep Track of Your Progress It’s easy to get bogged down in everything that is wrong or that you have not yet accomplished. The challenge is to make an effort to take the time to recognize what you have accomplished, and keep track of your progress. Consider keeping a log beside your bed so you can write down your day’s triumphs. Research from the University of Texas shows that people who focus on reducing anxiety and depression increase their happiness by giving themselves emotional support and practicing self-compassion. Acknowledge the positives in your life and make it a habit of tracking them in your journal or writing yourself an email, note, or letter. Get Organized Because people with anxiety tend to stay home more often than people who don’t, you should focus on getting organized. A messy, cluttered home leads to unwelcome stress, as does being unable to find your belongings. Clean, organized homes relieve stress and improve your overall health. To avoid feeling overwhelmed and anxious about how to declutter, start with one room at a time. You may want to begin in your bedroom so that you can create a relaxing environment that helps you sleep better. Go through your belongings and make sure each item has a place. Make a “keep” pile, a “garbage” pile, and a “donate” pile. Then, move on to a space like the kitchen or living room where you spend a great deal of your time. Save areas that you don’t spend much time in for last. Set the Tone with Music Creating a calming environment is one of the best ways to minimize anxiety. If you get into the habit of listening to music that relaxes you, especially when you are completing tasks or start to feel your anxiety rise, you will do yourself a tremendous favor. Take the time to make a playlist that will set the tone for the way that you want to feel. It’s also a good idea to listen to music that makes you dance, sing, or smile. Dancing, singing, and smiling are activities that boost your mood, get your blood pumping, and make you feel better naturally. The more active you get, the more exercise you will get, and the less anxiety you will have. Keeping anxiety at bay in your day-to-day life is within your grasp if you get the support you need, keep track of your progress, get organized, and listen to music that sets the right tone and mood for your day.
