WHAT IS ANXIETY AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

sayan chakraborty 16-Oct-2016 Image Source

We all must have come across the word ‘anxiety’ which has become a serious issue within the people of the 21^st century. So what is this ‘anxiety’? As doctors define it – Anxiety, which is a fleeting reaction to stressful situations, can be debilitating when prolonged. It is one of the most common mental health problems and is thought to strike one in 20 people each year. The anxiety epidemic of late has been due to the fast –paced lifestyle and pressures in today’s time. Doctors advise that people should not dismiss the issue and seek help when anxiety begins to interfere in day-to-day living.

Since it has become so common in today’s date, I am going to share some ways in which you can deal with it.

1. Tell Someone

If you feel that you may have anxiety, such as your GP or a friend or a family member. Do this as soon as possible so you are not alone in dealing with it and can get the right help and support. Mental health can be difficult thing to talk about, especially with a GP or a practice nurse who you probably hardly know. Check out some health sites addressing the issue as some of them have compiled a guide with tips on preparing for your appointment and making the most of the short time with them.

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2. Eat Well

Make sure you get a balanced and healthy diet including lots of wholegrains, fresh fruits and vegetables, as these are proven to lift mood. Stimulants such as sugar, caffeine and alcohol can make feelings of anxiety and stress worse, and leave you feeling lethargic. Eating lots of foods high in fat and carbohydrate can often cause blood sugar crash, resulting in sluggishness and anxiety.

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3. Sleep Well

Not getting enough sleep can affect our mental wellbeing and quality of life. Electrical devices such as TVs and smartphones stimulate the brain, making it harder to sleep. Try switching off and creating a calm space before you go to bed â€“ and keep your bedroom free from technology.

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4. Smell Something Relaxing

Try sniffing some calm oils. Basil, anise and chamomile are great choices. They reduce tension in the body and help increase mental clarity.

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5. Breathe Easy

Short, sharp breaths indicate stress and anxiety. Consciously breathing and lengthening and strengthening the breath tell your brain that itâ€™s OK to relax.