Preventing anxiety attacks can seem impossible at times, especially when you’re feeling particularly stressed or overwhelmed. For some, anxiety is generalized and seems to come at them from all directions at any given time; for others, those feelings have more specific causes. No matter the origin of your anxiety, it’s important to make some changes to your lifestyle in order to lessen and prevent them, and you can also look for healthy coping mechanisms that allow you to tolerate anxiety when it occurs. Here are a few ways you can boost your mental health and make some changes that will keep anxiety at bay.
Clean house
For many people, home is where the most time is spent. It’s a place of comfort, but if you live with family, it can also be a source of tension or negativity, especially if everyone spends a lot of time together. If your family has been argumentative lately, or if your anxiety is worse when you’re home, it could be that your surroundings need a little attention. Decluttering each room, doing a deep clean, opening the windows for natural light and fresh air, and making small repairs can all have a massive effect on the way you and your family members feel, which can, in turn, affect the way you treat one another. You can also enhance your home and keep calm and relaxed with unique wax burners and wax warmer lamps from Owlchemy which will fill your home with your favorite scents.
Give yourself more options
While your surroundings at home can definitely be a source of anxiety, many people report that their job is the biggest source. Whether you’re an overworked business owner or an underappreciated team leader, if work is contributing to your mental health in a negative way, it may be time for a change. Doing so is easier than ever with the wide variety of degree programs available online; you can earn a degree on your own time and still take care of your other responsibilities. Not only that, online programs offer flexibility so you can work from home if your anxiety makes it difficult to attend in-person classes.
Make some lifestyle changes
While outside forces such as your job and home environment can negatively affect your mental health, there are a few lifestyle choices that also tend to exacerbate anxiety and other mood disorders. Consider making some changes such as drinking more water, giving up smoking, getting outdoors more, eating better, getting a better quality of sleep, and adopting a relaxing hobby or activity. Because your physical health is so strongly connected to your mental wellness, making positive changes to one will improve the other.
Reflect
Preventing feelings of anxiety is only half the battle; you also need to learn how to cope with those feelings when they show up unexpectedly. One simple thing you can do to feel better almost immediately is to find a quiet spot to meditate. Mindfulness has proven extremely beneficial for many who are living with anxiety or depression because it allows them to quiet their emotions for a few minutes and focus on breathing in the moment. Do some research on different meditation methods and how they can be incorporated into your daily life, then practice at home. The more comfortable you can get with mindfulness, the easier it will be for you to put it to use when you really need it.
Coping with anxiety is never easy, and while these tips can help you find some relief, it’s also important to reach out for professional help when you need it. Search for sources of support online and from friends and family members and remember that you’re not alone.