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Almost everyone has dealt with the feeling of being anxious at some point or another. Luckily there are proven methods and exercises that can be used to help relieve distress. From reading, to yoga, here are a few hacks you can do to calm anxiety.
How to calm your body
Anxiety is both a mental and physical state, according to MedicalNewsToday, and some of the physical symptoms of anxiety are sweaty palms, nausea or abdominal pain, and a racing heart.
Fortunately , there are some physical things you can do to help relieve those symptoms. Healthline suggests taking a drink of water and having something to eat as dehydration and low blood sugar can both cause anxiety. Take a bath to relax your muscles.
Or, do some exercise. According to Medical News today, exercise has been proven to lower stress hormones released in your body. If more strenuous exercise seems too difficult, you can also try some yoga. Yoga decreases your heart rate, cortisol levels, and blood pressure. Similarly to yoga, you can use diaphragmatic breathing, which involves laying on the floor with a hand on your stomach and slowly breathing in through your nose, and exhaling, also slowly, through your pursed lips.
In addition to what you should do, there are also a few things you shouldn’t do. But Healthine cautions, you should stay away from caffeine and alcohol. Both have been proven to increase anxiety.
Destress your mind
Anxiety is often characterized by racing, distressing thoughts, and emotional stress. So it goes without saying that there are things you can do for your brain that can help relieve anxiety.
Healthline suggests turning off your phone and taking some time to be alone. While spending quiet time with oneself, it is also a good idea to practice some positive affirmations, or spend a few minutes journaling about what you’re feeling. You can also try mindful meditation or listening to music. Another type of meditation that is helpful is guided imagery, imagining yourself in a calm, safe place.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, counseling and medication can work wonders when it comes to relieving anxiety in the long term, suggested MedicalNewsToday. If you find that your anxiety has become severely distressing or is interfering with your daily life, it is time to find a therapist and to talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about whether medication is right for you.
It is natural to feel anxious sometimes, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. Remember that you are both mind and body and there are things that you can do that can help you get through periods of anxiety and back to a calmer life.
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