If you have an anxiety disorder, you know just how challenging it can be to treat the symptoms and live a full life. Visiting an anxiety treatment center can give you the tools to help identify and alleviate symptoms, but anxiety is most often a life-long condition.
Working with a therapist who specializes in anxiety is often an excellent step to understanding how your condition works. Many patients also find that a combination of holistic, natural treatments are beneficial. There are lifestyle changes and other activities that offer a good way to relieve stress and calm anxiety.
Seven At Home Anxiety Therapy Options to Try
You’ll find that many of the same self-care tips to help you live a healthier life also double as a great way to reduce anxiety. Here are seven tips you can try alone or in addition to other therapeutic options.
- Exercise and Physical Activity. Exercise is proven to boost energy and helps the brain release feel-good endorphins. Not only is it beneficial to your overall health, but it also improves your mental well-being and shows benefits in treating anxiety disorders. Your general physician might recommend exercise three to five times a week, which will also work to treat anxiety. Any type of physical activity will work, whether you’re more comfortable with solo activities, such as running, or group sports.
- Keep Track of Your Diet. A healthy diet also improves mental function and overall well-being. You don’t necessarily have to adhere to a strict diet, though you’d want to limit intake of caffeine and sugars. Caffeine acts as a stimulant which can have negative effects for heart health, and it also lends itself to racing thoughts and cluttered thinking, which can heighten your feelings of anxiety.
- Limit Alcohol and Drug Use. Alcohol is a depressant and can also damage organ and brain function over the long term. Many patients who have anxiety and other mental disorders do turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Seek medical help if you find yourself using these options, which can lead to addiction and exacerbate your original symptoms.
- Take Up Meditation. Meditation is a proven way to calm stress and increase feelings of wellness. There are many options in meditation, from religion based prayer to a simple set time to clear your thoughts.
- Pinpoint Your Triggers. This can be more difficult for some people than others, however, many of us have specific triggers that cause feelings of anxiety. You may even have several. Knowing the things that cause you anxiety can help you face your fears or work through some of the larger issues.
- Declutter and Organize. Clutter and disarray are often signs of depression and can increase feelings of stress. Your surroundings have a large impact on your emotional and mental health. Some people develop poor habits that feed into their stress, while others find it difficult to take care of these routine tasks due to their condition. You’ll find that getting things organized in your home, car, and office will alleviate stress throughout your day and give you a better sense of well-being. For many, disorganization also disrupts their finances. Financial difficulties are a leading cause of stress, even for those who have no disorder.
- Monitor Your Sleep Schedule. Getting the right amount of sleep is an important factor in your mental and physical health. Getting on a good sleep schedule and making sure that you’re getting quality sleep can improve your symptoms.
Finding the Right Anxiety Treatment Center that Works
Anxiety is a serious disorder and one that can hinder your quality of life substantially without treatment. If you’re looking for a Los Angeles anxiety treatment center, the Renewed Freedom Center can help. We offer a full diagnostic evaluation and several treatment options for an array of anxiety disorders.
If you’re suffering from PTSD, OCD, panic disorders, or any of a range of anxiety symptoms, contact us today.
