How to Become a Calmer, Less Anxious Person
Contributing post
There’s much to love about the modern world. We’re healthier than ever before, we have greater access to the tools that’ll allow us to become the best version of ourselves, and, for the most of us, the basic needs of life are met. However, there is a problem. In recent years, there has been a sharp rise in the number of people suffering from mental health conditions, including anxiety. There are many reasons why anxiety has been on the rise, but whatever the cause, it’s important to remember that the condition isn’t set in stone. It can be overcome via various methods. Below, we take a look at a few tried and tested methods that’ll have you on your way to becoming a calmer, less anxious version of yourself.
Look At Your Life
Everyone feels anxiety from time to time, and in small doses, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. It’s when anxiety seems to become a regular part of your life and stops you from doing all that you want to do when things become a problem. While it’s important to remember that you can’t always think your way out of anxiety, there are times when you can. If you’re experiencing mild symptoms, then take a look at your life, and see where the anxiety lies. It might be that just a small reminder that you’re worry-free is enough to put you on the right path.
Underlying Triggers
While sometimes anxiety can materialize completely unprompted, there are times when it’s delivered to us via obvious means. There are plenty of things that can cause anxiety. Drinking too much alcohol, for instance, is one such socially accepted vice that can lead to feelings of anxiety. Smoking cigarettes can also cause it, especially during the slight withdrawal period (the first twenty minutes after smoking a cigarette). Some things are less obvious -- technology, for example, can make us feel less calm. That’s because it keeps our minds in a state of alertness, rather than letting it rest. You might be having fun while you’re browsing the web, but it’s having an impact on how calm you feel.
Working Up a Sweat
One of the most effective ways to keep anxious feelings at bay is to put on some running shoes and go sweat it out. You’ll nearly always find that you feel much better once you’ve returned home and showered. The gym will also work. While you’re there, you can visualize yourself edging ahead of your anxiety -- it’s effectively what you’re doing. Sometimes anxiety comes along because we’ve got too much energy, and this is one of the best methods to get rid of energy. Oh, and you’ll also be making yourself fitter and healthier at the same time, which will give you a boost in confidence.
Deep Stretching
We’re carrying a lot of tension in our bodies, and if we don’t let it out, then all we’re doing is carrying it around with us all the time. That’s one of the main reasons why meditation is thought of so highly -- it’s an effective, simple way to let out that tension. While exercising can help to keep anxiety away, it can lead to general tightness around your body. So look at practicing meditation in conjunction with your workout. As well as relaxing your body, it’ll also help calm your mind. Nobody who ever makes meditation part of their schedule ends up regretting it.
Meditation
Exercising and yoga will set you on the right path, but it’ll be a meditation that really helps to take you to the next level. The effects of meditation can be profoundly positive -- it can help to show you an entirely different way of being that you’ve never experienced before, one that is much calmer than anything you’ll ever have known before. And the best thing about meditation is that it’s so simple to get started, and it’s free, too. So try to make it a small part of your routine. You only need ten minutes a day to get started! While you’ll be unlikely to feel the effects from day one (though you might), within a couple of weeks you’ll find that you’re feeling much calmer, more confident, and so on.
Eat the Right Foods
We understand more than ever about how much of an impact food can have on our general wellbeing. If you only ever ate unhealthy foods, then you wouldn’t just be unfit physically; it’s highly likely that your mental health would suffer too. So if you’re suffering from anxiety, then it’s worthwhile looking at your diet, and adding certain foods that have been scientifically shown to reduce anxiety. Examples of these foods include fatty fish, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, and yogurt. You can even add supplements to your meals that’ll help to combat anxiety even more, such as CBD isolate; read this great post by CBD Flower USA to learn more about how this can help. As well as improving what you eat, you’ll want to look at cutting down on those foods that can increase anxiety, such as candies, pastries, and fried foods.
Time in the Outdoors
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the way we live now is essentially how we should be living. But this might not be the case -- humans are animals, after all, and while there are advantages to living in cities, there are some obvious downsides. For starters, cities have a lot of noise and lights, both of which impact our minds. If you’re beginning to feel a little anxious, look at taking a trip outdoors. Multiple studies have shown that time spent in nature can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and other mental health issues. Fifteen minutes is enough to make a difference, but for the biggest impact, look at going for around two hours each week. Even if you live in a city, there will be some natural land nearby that you can visit!
Set the Scene
You may also want to look at your home, and check that it’s as conducive to relaxation as it could be. It may not be, especially if your house is a hotbed for technology, and all you’re doing, while you’re there, is browsing on your smartphone and laptop. This can be fun, but it’s not relaxing! And after a long day of running errands in the outside world, what you need is a relaxing space. So look at creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your home. You can do this by lighting candles, adding incense, and adding tech-free things to do, such as reading. It might take a few minutes to sink into that chilled state of mind, but once you have, you’ll see the value of your efforts.
Share Your Worries
Sometimes, it’s important to let your inner thoughts and fears out. You might just see that you didn’t have all that much to worry about! But you won’t necessarily know that when it’s locked inside your head. So look at getting a journal and sharing your thoughts. The simple act can take as little as five minutes a day but can feel like a big load off your shoulders.
Go Easy on Yourself
Finally, remember to go easy on yourself! We’re all human; we all make mistakes. You won’t make anything better by beating yourself up. If you’re trying your best, then you’re doing everything that you can do. Life is ups and downs, and at the minute, you’re just down, no worries!
For more fitness inspiration and barre workouts visit Nadia Murdock Fit on Instagram @NadiaMurdock and the NMFIT Blog!