Anxiety affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. While some variations of anxiety are more severe than others, patients who have been officially diagnosed are often prescribed a variety of different medications designed to help relieve stress and calm nerves. In some cases, medicine can create more problems including potentially dangerous side effects and possible problems with addiction. If you want to learn how to calm your anxiety without prescriptions, follow these helpful tips to keep yourself calmer so you can live a more relaxed life.
Monitor Sugar And Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can worsen anxiety. Not only will you feel more jittery and nervous, but too much caffeine consumption can keep you awake at night, worsening your stress the next day. Avoid drinking too much coffee, at least before bedtime. If possible, avoid caffeine-laden drinks altogether. Sugar is another contributing factor for people with anxiety thanks to its propensity to keep your blood sugar out of whack. As blood sugar elevates, the body creates a stress response that can make you feel even worse. When your blood sugar stabilizes, you'll feel calmer and more relaxed. Avoid sugary food and drink and focus on a protein-rich diet.
Sleep And Exercise
Sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being. If you have anxiety, sleepless nights will only compound the problem. Focus on getting a proper amount of sleep (ideally seven or more hours per night) and try to go to bed at the same time each night so your body begins to understand a natural sleep cycle. Exercise will not only help improve anxiety symptoms, but it serves double duty in terms of helping you get better sleep. Start out slowly and work on things like yoga, which will help you improve your physical and mental strength. Walk with a friend to get exercise. This will also give you someone to talk to, which can also be a help for your anxiety.
Try Magnesium
Most adults are deficient in magnesium, a vital mineral found in foods like eggs and nuts. For those with anxiety who are magnesium deficient, a supplement can help. If you do not want to take a pill form of magnesium, try soaking in an Epsom salt bath or applying a magnesium gel or spray directly on your skin. This will absorb the magnesium into your bloodstream through the skin without having to take a pill. Regular consumption or application of magnesium can take the edge off your anxiety and improve your quality of sleep.
While there is no magic bullet to completely cure anxiety, these easy lifestyle changes should help you see a positive change. For more information about dealing with anxiety, contact a company like Psychological Associates of Pennsylvania PC.
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