Tips to Cope With Stress & Anxiety
23.03.2022
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. More than 1 in 15 people around the world are likely to be affected at any one time; you are not alone. And nowadays that number is only going up. If not treated or managed properly, stress can tend to steer towards more serious problems with anxiety in the long-term. Let’s talk about how to cope with stress and anxiety.
Count to 10 slowly: If you suffer from panic attacks, start counting as soon as one comes. Repeat or count to 20 if necessary, and you should also:
Take deep breaths: Inhale and exhale as slow as you can while you count.
The two steps above are to help cope with unexpected panic attacks, but how can we prevent them in the first place?
Limit your alcohol, drugs and caffeine: These three can all aggravate anxiety and make panic attacks more likely. By drugs I also mean unprescribed pain relievers; try to avoid using them unless you have already been using a prescribed drug.
Take time out: This is especially important in coping with the daily stresses of life. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn and practice some relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem will help to clear your head.
Eat well: Don’t skip meals, as a hungry you will be more prone to panic attacks. Try to always keep a healthy, energy-boosting snack on hand with you.
Exercise every day: Exercising is a great way to feel better mentally, and it also helps you maintain your physical health. Do some mild exercise every day to boost your mood and take your mind off stress-inducing factors.
Get enough sleep: When your mind is under stress, your body needs additional sleep. Take naps during the day if you have chance. If you don’t, try to sleep 7-9 hours every night to keep yourself refreshed.
Break the cycle: Try to break those negative thought spirals and identify when you are catastrophizing. Share your thoughts with friends and distract yourself by talking about something else with them; don’t forget a good laugh goes a long way.
Figure out your triggers: To get to the core of your anxiety, you need to work out what’s making you feel this way. This can be harder than it sounds. Is it work, family, school, relationships or something else? Try journalling to help identify common patterns within yourself. Talk to your friends; maybe they see something you don’t.
Distractions: Simply redirecting your focus onto something else can help. Lose yourself in activities you enjoy; go for a walk, listen to music, play sports, play games, watch a funny movie, meditate or even do some chores around the house. Don’t forget to do all this even when you’re feeling ok.
These recommendations won’t ‘cure’ you, but we hope they can help you to cope and feel better. If you’ve been experiencing stress and anxiety for a long period of time, you should talk to your doctor or a professional therapist who will know how to treat you better. Please share this article with those who you think can benefit, and follow us on social media.