Do you suffer from panic or anxiety attacks? Would you like to find out some techniques and strategies to help you manage stress? Are you interested in finding out more about anxiety, and the steps that you can take to reduce its impact on your life? Well then, today’s guest blog is the one for you 🙂
Today’s blog is a guest blog called “Avoid Anxiety Attacks with Smart Strategies”, written by the brilliant Carolyn Russo! So, without further ado, I’ll leave you to Carolyn’s excellent blog, be sure to let us know what you think!
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Anxiety is more prevalent than ever in the world, with approximately 30% of adults in America experiencing at least one anxiety attack at some point during their lives according to the American Psychological Association. But while anxiety attacks are common and can be triggered by a variety of stressors, there are a plethora of different techniques and strategies that you can implement into your life to help avoid or prevent anxiety attacks, which is what we’ll be taking a look at in today’s blog!
Use Stress-Reduction Techniques
If you’re at risk of short anxiety attacks or chronic anxiety, you should be aware of stress reduction techniques that can bring your excitement levels back down to normal. These include but are not limited to:
● Meditation (even just 10 to 20 minutes a day is effective)
● Listening to calming music or sounds, like nature sounds or ocean waves
● Taking a hot bath with the works (bath bombs, candles, etc.)
● Speaking to a trusted friend or family member and just venting for a little while
● Doing a recreational activity you love and that is calming, like reading a book or playing a game
All of these stress-reduction techniques can help you avoid anxiety attacks you feel coming on after a stressful day at work or a stressful meeting, for instance.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise does wonders for preventing anxiety because it helps you burn away stress hormones like cortisol. On top of that, regular exercise can release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that can make you feel better rather than worse at the end of a long workday.
Exercising is great for your mind, your body, and your long-term mental health. Take up at least a cardiovascular routine if you haven’t already. It can even be as simple as walking at a nearby park or even around the block a time or two. As Health Assured notes, “Walking requires minimal preparation and yields significant health benefits such as weight loss, increased fitness levels and lower blood pressure.”
Avoid Substances
Healthline points out that many substances, like drugs or alcohol, can exacerbate anxiety symptoms or make you more likely to suffer an anxiety attack. If you’re already at risk of anxiety, it may be wise to hold off on taking substances, even in social environments, at least until you know the full triggers for your anxiety attacks.
Try Professional Help
As a mental health issue, professionals like therapists may be able to assist if your anxiety attacks are chronic or unstoppable. When looking for a therapist, be sure to read their online reviews to see if they’ll be a good fit. Even in the best of circumstances, you may need to try a few therapists before you find someone you really click with and who can help you long-term.
Redecorate Your Home
Your local environment can add to or even cause anxiety attacks. If your home is a stressful place to be in, consider redecorating it to freshen things up and reinvigorate your living space. You have the power to inject positivity into your home by:
● Opening the windows from time to time
● Decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary objects
● Cleaning regularly
● Adding pleasing, positive decorations to your space, like green plants or pleasing paintings
Redecorating your home and making it a calming, stress-free place can do wonders for avoiding anxiety attacks where you’re supposed to feel safest.
Take up a Calming Hobby
Calming hobbies such as crafting handmade decorations, gardening, or art can also help alleviate anxiety by giving your brain something else to focus on. Anxiety is often a result of your brain being unable to stay calm or fixate on a single subject, but calming hobbies that require focus can marshal your mind’s attention and distract it from whatever may be bothering it.
Anxiety Can Be Beaten
Remember, you’re not alone when it comes to your anxiety symptoms. Even if you feel anxious all the time, keep in mind that anxiety is defeasible and you can overcome its symptoms with the right mindset, healthy lifestyle, and a good daily routine that provides structure and time for your brain to recharge.
Before I close off today’s blog, I just want to say a massive thank you to Carolyn for writing us this blog. If you have any thoughts or comments on the blog that you would like to share with us, be sure to drop a comment below or check out our Facebook page!
Thanks for reading & I hope you have a lovely day!
James Sweeney
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