In today's world, it is not possible to avoid being anxious. So many things can make you feel upset, including health, money, love, family, work, and the list goes on. Anxiety can make your breathing shallow and heart beat fast. You will even be experiencing a fight-or-flight response, and that happens due to hormonal changes in the body. While you cannot avoid being anxious, you can certainly learn how to handle those situations better and start to feel better again. You can certainly find medications, but you can also learn how to stop anxiety just by changing the way you think or perceive things around you. Let's find out more about it.
Best Remedies to Stop Anxiety
It is hard to stay away from stressful situations, especially considering how competitive the world has become, but you can also find nondrug remedies to deal with anxiety. From supplements to mind-body techniques to calming teas, you can find so many ways to overcome stress and anxiety. Here are a few recommendations.
1. Learn to Breathe Properly
Poor breathing habits are usually responsible for severe anxiety symptoms and your breathing pattern changes when you are under stress, which can create a vicious circle. To break that circle, you need to control your breathing. Your aim should be to take more controlled, shallower breaths. You need to take slower breaths too. Simply breathe in gently through your nose – take 5-7 seconds to complete a breath. Hold it for 3 seconds and exhale through pursed lips for about 7-10 seconds. Do it 10-20 times daily to take better control of your breathing even in stressful situations.
2. Try Aerobic Exercises
When you are anxious, your body fills up with adrenaline. You can try aerobic activities to help burn away stress hormones. Exercise is beneficial because it uses your muscles and reduces excess tension and energy. Your body also releases endorphins during exercise, which can uplift your mood. Above all, exercise can distract your attention and reduce anxiety. Anything like walking, light jogging, etc. will do.
3. Listen to Your Favorite Music
In terms of how to stop anxiety, music can calm your nerves and help you relax. However, you need to be a bit careful when choosing songs. Opt for something that you like and that helps you relax. If you are sad and start listening to sad music, you are only going to connect with your negative emotions and that is not going to help you with your anxiety.
4. Go Make Love
Many people think that they cannot perform well in bed when they are anxious, and that is true, especially when you talk about chronic stress. However, you can actually calm your nerves by engaging in sexual intercourse. This distracting physical activity releases endorphins and boosts your mood. The catch is to engage in sex with someone who understands your situation and does not judge you for how you are going to perform under the sheets.
5. Get Adequate Sleep
Not getting enough sleep each night can hurt you in more ways than you can imagine. Sleep deprivation can amplify your anxiety and stress and lead to serious health problems. When you become more anxious, it becomes harder and harder to go to sleep. To avoid this vicious circle, you need to take steps to get full 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
6. Pay Attention to Your Diet
Still wondering how to stop anxiety? Many people do not know but certain foods can help enhance your mood. Providing your body with right nutrients can help keep stress and anxiety at bay. You should eat more fruits and veggies and avoid alcohol, coffee, and sugar. Eat acai berries, blueberries and other foods rich in antioxidants. You should also include maca root, whole grains, and seaweed in your diet because they are rich in magnesium. Certain foods and drinks contain a type of neurotransmitter called GABA that can help improve your mood and promote better sleep. Some good examples include oolong tea, Kimchi, and kefir.
7. Keep Yourself Busy
The idea is to keep yourself distracted, but it will work only if you do something that you really love. It really helps to have a hobby and spend at least 10 minutes enjoying it. You can enjoy music, reading, gardening, and so many other things. It may also help to take a new class related to something you like. You can take a class to learn a new language or do something that would keep you occupied for some time.
8. Try Meditation
When asking how to stop anxiety, you will hear experts talk about the importance of practicing meditation. You can try many meditation and relaxation routines to lower anxiety levels. Guided meditation is a great choice for beginners. You can watch a meditation video or buy a meditation CD to get started. Deep breathing, yoga, and many other ways are also available to help you have better control over your thoughts.
9. Try Calming Essential Oils
Essential oils have anxiety reducing effects, and lavender is one of the best options. You can also try other oils, such as Clary sage, bergamot, chamomile, and lemon. You can apply some on your clothes or keep a bottle of essential oil nearby to use whenever you feel anxious.
10. Stay Away from Stimulants
You need to understand that many stimulants like nicotine and caffeine can make your anxiety worse. Many people turn to caffeinated beverages when they are anxious and this only makes things worse. Similarly, you should quit smoking if you want to control your anxiety. It is important to quit because smoking can also increase risk for cancer, stroke, heart attack, and emphysema. If you really want some caffeine, never take more than 200mg per day.