7 Habits That Can Make Anxiety Worse
You can actually make your anxiety worse, find out how and read this list.
Here are the 7 ways that you can be making your anxiety worse.
OVERVIEW:
- Explore The 7 Habits That Make Your Anxiety Worse
- How Each One Contributes
- Solutions To Make Your Life Calmer
CALM NEEDS TO REFLECT IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF YOUR LIFE TO REDUCE ANXIETY.
The 7 habits that make anxiety worse:
- Disorganization
- Holding your breath
- Rushing through tasks
- Not getting enough nutrients
- Overthinking
- Not having healthy distractions
- Cutting off communication from friends
Disorganization
Why does organization matter?
Fastest way to calm your life: Your environment.
Having anxiety can mean you are irritable, easily triggered, and hyperexcitable. No organization in your life, means every turn you take makes you more anxious than the next. Do you keep making the same mistakes? Instead of changing the way you do things. For example, when you look for an important document but can’t find it you rip up your things, leaving behind a trail of chaos.
Unnecessary stress due to disorganization may lead to fatigue and lack of motivation to finalize tasks.
Solution
If you are organized, it will make finding that important document way easier. Now you have completed a task and still have enough energy to complete the next one. There are key areas of your life to keep organized:
- Filing Cabinet
- Clothes Closet
- Bathroom Products
- Car
- Food Storage
Holding your Breath
How does holding your breath making anxiety worse?
Many don’t realize they hold their breath throughout the day. They also don’t know why breathing is so important for mental clarity. You might be familiar with “take a deep breath” when you are panicking. There is a reason for this. If you hold your breath, it causes fatigue, loss of concentration, and increased stress. Notice during your day if you are holding your breath, when you’re dealing with a task.
Solution
When you take notice that you’re holding your breath, begin to take a few deep breaths and end with breathing regularly. Once you complete this practice you can continue the task at hand. Be conscious of your breathing and enjoy the short term and long-term difference.
Rushing through tasks
How do anxious people rush through things in life?
What makes simple tasks complicated to an anxious person is their lack of attention. Be present mentally when performing tasks. As you know anxiety is mainly one thing, overthinking about the negative. Making it difficult to focus on things to get done.
Solution
Remind yourself that “slow and steady wins the race.”
It’s a simple phrase that you can tell yourself when you start to rush or panic. Slow down, take a deep breath, start over. Think clearly about the steps you need to take in order to finish a task. Prepare yourself to be fully embrace the activity so you can get it done properly with less anxiety.
Lack of nutrients
What does food have to do with anxiety?
Eating well, will help your brain function, possibly helping you and your anxiety. Food and diet are more than just looking good physically. Your body uses the nutrients inside of food to fuel not only our muscles. But our heart, brain, and every other major organ we have. If we do not give ourselves enough nutrients, we are making anxiety worse by means of fatigue.
Solution
Keep your meals simple.
Protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
Breakfast: Eggs, Avocado, Cheese, Tortillas, and a side of fruit
Lunch: A sandwich with cooked chicken or turkey, olive oil, cheese, and whole wheat bread, side of carrots.
Dinner: Beef tips with beef broth, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.
Overthinking
Why does overthinking make anxiety worse?
Overthinking is the most obvious habit that will make your anxiety worse. Also, one of the hardest things to control when you start out on your journey to heal your anxiety. Overtime you can learn how to keep the raging thoughts to a minimum.
Solution
Repeat to yourself: Don’t think about it. I always found the more I think or “chase” something in my mind, the further it runs from me. When you let things happen the way they are going to happen and remind yourself you have no control over what does, it can bring some relief. You overthinking about a certain outcome or situation will not change what is meant to happen.
Not having healthy distractions
Why do I need healthy distractions?
The easiest way to calm yourself down is by distraction. Distraction can alleviate the stress that anxiety is causing. It can allow space to open up in your mind to new and productive ideas. A lot more lightbulbs go off when you are inspired or thinking clearly.
Solution
- Watch a comforting movie
- Take a bubble bath
- Go for a walk outside
- Exercise for 20 mins.
- Don’t beat yourself up mentally
- Accept wherever you are with no guilt
Cutting off communication from friends
Why should I keep in contact with friends?
Anxiety leads to isolation.
You feel alone, embarrassed, unworthy, and a bother.
But isolating yourself will only make it harder to stop overthinking about the issue you’re facing. Remember real friends will be there for you even if you’re not at your best.
Solution
If you start to feel anxious, let a friend know. Text them about what is going on. Ask to hangout or talk on the phone. Talking about your feelings can help release them from your mind, creating new space to start healing. Meet up with friends and do the best you can to take your mind off the situation.
Dealing with anxiety every day is stressful and draining. Be aware of these 7 habits that can make your anxiety worse. Remember to show yourself compassion for what you’re going through. Follow these tips to make your life calmer.
