Asked 8/17/2011
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Tips, Tricks and advice for reducing anxiety? So basically I have a very high anxiety level and have not went for medical help and unless it becomes uncontrollable I will not, since I avoid medication as much as I possibly can. I am raising five children and often need coffee to start my day which I'm sure increases my anxiety. So if anyone has suggestions or alternatives to reducing anxiety without medication, please help me out. |
Answer 1/7 - Submitted 8/17/2011
Pardon me for saying.. but my first tip would be do not have more kids!
Trying to cut down on the coffee would help, make it a bit weaker than you usually have it, or have fewer cups. I personally drink tea.
They say that having a pet can reduce anxiety, when you stroke your pet your anxiety goes away, however if you are not a "pet person" owning a pet can bring on anxiety lol! Having house plants will help - even if fake - they bring a "calm" into your home.
Going to the park, spending time in the garden is VERY beneficial. Take your kids to the park - If they are old enough an actual "PARK" is better than a "Playground" as playgrounds can be stressful, but if your kids love to run though the woods - a trip to a real park is best - time outdoors in fresh air is really good for lowering anxiety..
Answer 2/7 - Submitted 8/17/2011
I have the same problem, and I also try to avoid medication. I avoid those situations that would make me the most anxious, and when I cannot, I do everything possible to psych myself up beforehand, and reward myself afterward for getting through it. I also keep good people around me, including my husband who helps me to get through anything.
Answer 3/7 - Submitted 8/17/2011
You've already identified caffeine as a potential problem; try to limit it. You might want to try half-caf.
Eliminate any stressors that you can. Sometimes the little things are the worst. I use a carbine clip to attach my keys to my purse strap. Now I don't get stressed out looking for my keys.
Make sure you are staying well hydrated and not going too long without eating. Low blood sugar can cause anxiety.
Aromatherapy can help with anxiety: try clary sage and/or lavender essential oils. Essential oils are very strong so use sparingly. You can use them in a diffuser or try putting a drop or two on your hair.
Answer 4/7 - Submitted 8/17/2011
If you just have a cup or two of coffee in the mornings, it probably won't increase your anxiety. it probably even helps to relax you if it is a pleasant morning routine. I wouldn't be worried about that unless you drink it all day long or something.
Getting enough exercise and eating ahealthy diet helps with anxiety, as well as establishing a routine for daily living. Having things out of control and chaotic will definitely increase your anxiety.
Now, there are some things you can't control that are going to give you anxiety. The best you can do is to try to face your fears head on. Look at what is bothering you, and try to come to some sort of conclusion or decision about what you are going to do about it. If it's something you can't do anything about, you simply have to try to get yourself not to think about those things any more than necessary. If you find yourself thinking about it, try distractiong yourself, cleaning the house, or going for a walk.
Answer 5/7 - Submitted 8/17/2011
Take a yoga class. Yoga helped me so much because I finally became aware of my breathing and how tight my muscles were which is a big side effect of anxiety.
When you are anxious and stressed your breath is very shallow. Yoga helps you learn to take full deep breaths and relax. Once you become aware of how it feels to breath deeply and be more relaxed you can feel when you are slipping into shallow breathing and anxiety.
Don't worry that you are not flexible enough for a yoga class. There are beginner classes and yoga is very much about listening to your body and not pushing it farther than it can go. Nobody in the class will make you feel bad for being a beginner. You just do the best you can and learn as you go along.
Many fitness centers have yoga classes. Sometimes you can also find a yoga class through your city's community education classes. If nothing like that is available in your area, you could get a yoga video. But if there is a class available, you will get more benefit from doing yoga with an instructor than from a video.
Answer 6/7 - Submitted 8/17/2011
I have had panic attacks all my life. These can be very scary at times especially when you don’t know why it’s happening. Things that I do to help myself cope, without medication stats with listening to your body. Know the signs of how your panic attacks feel like. They start differently for each person. React to the symptoms right away. If you wait too long it will be harder to stop the attack.
I usually try to remove myself from the situation at hand. If I’m not able to move away from the situation then I move to step two. If I’m with my husband I can usually draw on his strength and support to get through what I’m doing so I can get home. IF he is not there I use chewing gum and try to move my thoughts to the gum and away from the feelings that are starting to over whelm me. As soon as possible I get home.
When I’m hope I’ll let myself cry it out. I have found just letting myself release all the feelings instead of holding them in gets rid of the attack quicker. If I can do it in my husband’s arms even better and it ends quicker feeling the safeness that comes with his arms.
Answer 7/7 - Submitted 8/18/2011
All great advice and a lot of it I do daily anyways, thank you.
Animal-I am not having any more children :)
I used to do yoga when I was younger, I don't know why that didn't come to mind! I think I'll just get some dvd's though since I can't just leave my kids, though the older ones can help out while I lock my door for a bit ;) I remember how great I felt when I did yoga and that just may do the trick for most instances (at home). Thanks.
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