Anxiety affects Americans of all ages and is one of the leading causes of mental problems in the country. Given the uncertainties that exist today, from economic turbulence and precarious world affairs to the pandemic, it is understandable if your loved one is struggling with anxiety. The good news is that there are many approaches when it comes to relieving anxiety and living a worry-free life. In this article, we explain to you how you can help your loved one overcome anxiety problems.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing techniques are great at reducing anxiety, especially at the moment they occur or when your loved one feels like they are about to get an anxiety attack. The trick to relieving stress through breathing is to breathe slowly and take in as much air as possible. By breathing through our abdomen as opposed to our upper chest, we are able to take in a lot more oxygen and this helps to improve blood flow, lower heart rate and gives us a sense of calm. The great thing about this technique is that it can be done anywhere and can help your loved one cope with difficult moments even when there are no other people who can help them.
Diet Matters
What you eat has a direct effect on how anxious you feel. certain food items and beverages are not ideal for people struggling with anxiety. Starting with alcohol, this is perhaps the most misunderstood food item when it comes to anxiety. While the initial effects of alcohol are to stimulate someone, alcohol is in actual fact a depressant and any mood up-swings that you enjoy are unlikely to last long. In this regard, alcohol may actually make anxiety worse in the long term and is best avoided if you are struggling with anxiety. The other food item to stay away from is caffeine, which stimulates the body and causes the heart to beat faster. This, in turn, may make your loved one even more anxious. All said, make sure that your loved one has healthy and well-balanced meals.
Enough Sleep
Our bodies are designed to repair damaged tissue and restore our bodies during sleep. When we don’t get enough sleep, we end up being irritable and prone to anxious thoughts. In fact, many Americans who struggle with anxiety often find that getting enough sleep helps to alleviate the worst of their symptoms. Sleep is not just about the hours spent asleep but is also about the quality of sleep. Ensure that your loved one has a comfortable mattress and that there is no ambient noise that can disrupt their sleep. You should also ensure that they do not take beverages such as coffee or fizzy drinks just before they sleep as this is also likely to lower the quality of their sleep.
Physical Activities
When your loved one participates in p[hysical activities, it helps them to relieve anxiety in many different ways. Physical workouts help release feel-good hormones which in turn lower the probability of depression and anxiety. Physical exercises also help improve the flow of blood, which in turn will help your loved one breathe easier. Finally, working out helps your family members to sleep better at night, ensuring that they are well-rested the following day.
