7 Ways To Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety is the body’s physical and mental reaction to stressful situations and is often characterized by feelings of dread and distress. Though anxiety disorders are common, they shouldn’t interfere with your everyday life in an immobilizing way.

This is why it’s crucial to take the necessary measures to reduce your anxiety. With a variety of ways to effectively combat the negative feelings that come with anxiety, including IV therapy, you can get yourself back into the right headspace.

Common Causes of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders may be common, but the causes are still not fully understood. However, researchers presume that these conditions often result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors as well as brain chemistry.

Anxiety can co-occur with other mental health issues like depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be linked to other underlying health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, substance abuse and more.

There are also a wide range of external factors that contribute to anxiety disorders, such as:

1. Work-related stress: People can experience both mental and physical responses to job stress that can lead to a decline in overall wellness.
2. Relationship-related stress: Issues that arise between romantic partners, family members, and friends can contribute to anxiety.
3. Financial stress: Concerns about money management, upcoming major expenses, and even the economy are considered financial stressors and can elicit both physical and emotional responses.
4. Trauma-related stress: Problems can arise from past traumas and stressful experiences.
5. School-related stress: Academic pressures can cause anxiety and fatigue.
6. Side effects of medication: Certain medications may have side effects that affect stress and anxiety.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety symptoms vary from person to person and can range from general to situational. When you feel anxious, your body searches for danger and initiates its fight or flight response. This can result in a variety of symptoms, including:

• Nervousness, restlessness or tense feelings
• Rapid heart rate
• Hyperventilation
• Sweating
• Weakness or fatigue
• Insomnia
• Digestive or gastrointestinal problems
• Obsessive tendencies
• Repetitive compulsive behaviors
• Trouble concentrating
• Trembling
• Excessive worry

Tips to Combat Anxiety

There’s no doubt that anxiety can be debilitating and difficult to overcome. Luckily, there are many physical, mental and nutritional ways to reduce anxiety and help you tackle life without fear. Consider implementing one of these anxiety management practices into your everyday life:

1. Exercise: Exercising lowers stress hormones, improves sleep quality and releases endorphins that better your mood and relieve pain.
2. Avoid substance use: They may feel like they provide relief in the short-term, but drugs and alcohol can increase anxiety and should be evaded.
3. Cut down on caffeine: Caffeinated beverages can worsen anxiety symptoms. Overconsumption of caffeine may lead to nervousness, increased heart rate, and other similar symptoms to anxiety.
4. Get plenty of sleep: Quality sleep can reduce restlessness and lessen anxiety symptoms.
5. Participate in stress management activities: This includes positive affirmations, yoga, leisure activities, breathing exercises and more.
6. Maintain a healthy diet: A well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein and grains is great for making your body feel good. Processed foods may contribute to anxiety symptoms.
7. IV vitamins: IV therapy is great for administering essential vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream to keep your body balanced while managing your anxiety. IV vitamins like NAD, vitamin B12, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc support nervous system health and can reduce anxiety symptoms while increasing brain function and mood.

 

Author Bio: Phil Hinkel, MSN, RN is Co-Owner of Mobile IV Nurses. His professional background includes Pre-Hospital Trauma, Surgical and Trauma Critical Care, Interventional Radiology, Cardiac Cath Lab, Hospital Supervisor, Nurse Manager, and Nursing Service Chief.