Living with anxiety isn’t going to be a positive experience, but it’s something that a lot of people have to go through. It could be that you have to go through it as well, and maybe you feel as though there’s not a lot that can be done – you have anxiety and that’s it.
The good news is that even if you can’t entirely cure your anxiety, there are some great (and easy) daily habits you can add to your routine that will definitely help, and make all the difference when it comes to managing your condition in the best, most positive way. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Mindful Breathing Exercises
Practicing mindful breathing exercises can really help when it comes to calming your nervous system and therefore reducing your anxiety levels quite a bit, making you feel much better in the process. Just set aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breath – start by taking slow, deep breaths (inhale through your nose and out through your mouth) and pay attention to how your body feels when you do it.
The key is to pay attention because that’s what takes normal breathing exercises (which are very useful on their own) to the next level and makes them mindful. Mindfulness in general is a great way to deal with anxiety because it means you’re not worrying about the past or the future and only focusing on the present, but when you add deep breathing to the mix, it gets even better.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity is a great way to get healthy in both mind and body, and it’s well-known that moving around and exercising has some excellent health benefits. Did you also know that exercise can be good for your anxiety levels? It’s true, and since it’s also easy to include it in your daily routine, why not try it?
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are essentially natural stress relievers, so as you can see, you’re sure to feel better and less anxious once you get moving around. The important part is to find an activity you enjoy because you’ll be more motivated to exercise regularly if that’s the case, and it’s consistency that’s really important if you want to make the most of the benefits. Perhaps you’ll walk to your anxiety counselling session rather than drive, for example, or maybe you’ll join a gym or perhaps you prefer to play sports. Do what works for you.
Healthy Eating
When you eat is sure to have an impact on how you feel, and it can have a big impact on your mood and energy levels, which is why it’s crucial to focus on consuming a balanced diet of healthy foods (with the occasional treat, of course, as that can also be motivating if you practice moderation).
It’s also best to limit how much caffeine you have each day, and to reduce the amount of sugar and processed foods in your diet. It’s a good idea to pay attention to how different foods make you feel and then you can change your diet accordingly until you feel your best.
