Anxiety is the mind’s natural response to danger or uncertainty. Some anxiety is healthy and even necessary. It signals you to act in stressful situations. However, too much anxiety can paralyze you emotionally and keep you from solving problems. It can lead to isolation, fear, chronic pain, emotional outbursts, and addiction. In addition to seeking an anxiety treatment program in GA, there are small ways you can ease your anxiety.
Easing your anxiety puts you in control of your situation and helps you find solutions for your disorder. Finding ways to manage your condition also keeps you from turning to drugs or alcohol when your anxiety symptoms arise. If you are unsure where to begin to ease your anxiety, speak with a therapist at a mental health treatment center in Georgia. You can get the help you need to overcome anxiety disorder or panic attacks with the help of Atlanta Center for Mental Health.
Take a Time Out
When you feel anxious, you may feel like you need to solve the issue triggering your anxiety. However, engaging in a problem when you are emotional or anxious can only make the problem worse. Instead, you may need to back away from the situation and focus on something else before addressing the problem. Try these time-out activities.
- Relaxation techniques
- Massage therapy
- Meditation or mindfulness
- Listening to music
- Deep breathing exercises
Pulling out of the situation and giving yourself time to cool down and refocus will often provide you with clarity in dealing with the problem. You are likely to make good decisions and ease your anxiety.
Eat Healthy Meals
One of the foundations of mental stability is healthy eating. It is important to eat a balanced diet, avoid caffeine and alcohol, stay hydrated, and limit your junk food intake. For example, if you consume complex carbohydrates, you can maintain a healthy blood sugar level, helping you stay calm in stressful situations. Also, eat three times a day to keep your blood sugar at an acceptable level.
Keep in mind that there is a strong relationship between the gut and the brain. Most of your serotonin receptors are found along the lining of the gut. When you eat healthy and regularly, you release serotonin in the system. These neurotransmitters boost the mood and reduce your chances of getting depressed or anxious. Check to see if your local dual diagnosis treatment center has a nutrition therapy program.
Learn Meditation and Mindfulness
You may believe that meditation or mindfulness pulls you away from anxiety or depression. However, meditation puts you in touch with stress and anxiety. In other words, it causes you to become aware of it and manage it in effective ways. To ease your anxiety, try these four meditation steps.
- Stop what you are currently doing and pull away
- Direct your attention to the present moment
- Focus on your breathing – slow, deep breaths
- Become aware of your anxiety without judgment
The key to easing your anxiety is awareness. Become aware of what is going on inside of you and focus your attention on breathing deeply. While this works in meditation sessions, it also works when you are in the middle of a situation and need to calm down.
Learn How to Ease Your Anxiety at Atlanta Center for Mental Health
At Atlanta Center for Mental Health, we are dedicated to helping you ease your anxiety or depression. Our mental health therapies are designed to help you manage your mental health issue and recover from addiction. To find out more about anxiety treatment in GA, contact Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458. Let us help you get on the road to recovery.