We have all felt the shortness of breath, muscle tension, insomnia, and nervousness associated with anxiety. But, when these feelings become the norm instead of the exception, you’re more prone to anxiety attacks as well as depression and other issues that can affect your mental health. Although you can’t prevent stress and anxiety all the time, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of being overwhelmed. Here are five suggestions.
Try Hypnotherapy
Achieve Hypnotherapy explains that anxiety is simply the body’s response to stress. It is not supposed to be an everyday, recurring event. As the most common mental health issue in the United States, with more than 40 million Americans suffering anxiety every year, you’re not alone. Hypnotherapy is a proven way to alleviate anxiety, particularly that triggered by traumatic events, such as sexual abuse, divorce, or the loss of a loved one.
Change Careers
As much as we know we have to work to support ourselves, our jobs are one of the most common causes of stress and anxiety. Between peer pressure, lack of support, and unreasonable deadlines, our jobs can leave us feeling depleted and desperate for change. Unfortunately fear of the unknown often keeps us from pursuing something new. A better alternative is to go back to school and earn a degree while you continue to work. You might, for example, get an education to become a teacher, accountant, or medical assistance. Similarly, you might apply for an apprenticeship to a trade to become an electrician or plumber.
Avoid Alcohol
Most healthcare providers consider a nightcap or glass of wine every now and then safe for the vast majority of adults. But when you drink more than three or four adult beverages each week, you enter the realm of alcohol misuse. Unfortunately, drinking too much can have the exact opposite effect that you’re going for. Instead of feeling relaxed and refreshed, your body goes into withdrawals shortly after the “buzzed” feeling subsides. According to Henry Ford Health System, alcohol can interrupt your sleep, which can contribute to anxiety. Try to stick with social drinking or avoid alcohol completely.
Have Healthy Relationships
Our relationships, whether it be with our significant other, children, friends, or coworkers, contribute to our overall mental well-being. When these relationships are strained or, worse, forced, we can feel anxious each time we are in the room with those we are supposed to cohabitate with. Evaluate your interactions with your loved ones, and decide if these relationships are worth sacrificing your mental health. Not sure if your marriage or romantic relationship is healthy? Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers & Mediators offers insight on things to look out for that might mean trouble.
Talk About It
If you’ve ever cried on someone's shoulder, you already know the relief that you can feel by getting things off your chest. The same holds true for anxiety. Talk to your closest confidants or seek professional help. If all else fails, there’s nothing wrong with seeking the advice of the most knowledgeable expert on yourself: you. We talk to ourselves every day, and who better to bounce things off of than yourself.
Preventing anxiety attacks means taking preemptive measures to keep yourself calm, cool, and collected. The five tips above are a great start, and they can help you find your center before you lose your cool. Remember, the best medicine is prevention, and it is up to you to find what works best and give those things to yourself.