Anxiety is something I have struggled with throughout most of my life. I understand how debilitating, scary, and lonely it can feel when you are sitting face to face with anxious thoughts or experiencing a panic attack.
On this journey, I have done my best to pay close attention to the things that trigger or make my anxiety worse, and I do my best to stay away from those things as much as possible.
Below are 6 habits that I did not realize were impacting my anxiety levels…
1.Spending too much time on social media
I cannot speak for anyone else, but I’ve noticed that after scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, I often feel more alone and disconnected from others. Which is ironic because each of these platforms were designed to help us connect and feel closer to one another.
On social media, we have front row seats to other people’s lives, their opinions, and all of the random thoughts that cross their mind throughout the day.
If someone goes on a trip, a seemingly fun night out with friends, goes on vacation, bought a new home, graduated. We see or read about it.
On the surface, there is absolutely nothing wrong with sharing our happy moments. The issue arises when we begin to compare our (complex, challenging, beautifully imperfect) lives to a status or picture that was carefully planned out.
The truth is, we do not see the tears, frustration, or HOW people acquired some of the things that they have. The important thing for you to keep in mind is that not everything we see online is ever as it seems.
Spending hours scrolling through social media, subconsciously judging and comparing yourself to others every single day may eventually take a toll, and negatively impact the way you feel.
2. Watching the news 24/7
While it is important to stay informed on what is going on in our communities, you do not have to know EVERY SINGLE THING that is happening in the world.
There are so many heartbreaking and unfortunate things happening lately… and it can feel very overwhelming at times. It is important to recognize when you may need a break.
I did not realize how much watching the news every day was affecting me, until I stopped. I truly only keep track of the weather, and any major changes that will directly impact my family and community.
Even though it may not always seem like it, there is A LOT of good in the world. I am not suggesting to ignore reality. But rather, try to limit how much bad news you consume. Doing this has made a huge difference for me.
3. Watching violent shows/movies
I use to LOVE murder mystery shows and movies. But, I did not notice how on edge I would feel after watching something extremely violent or gruesome. This realization happened when I became more in tune with myself. I am not saying to stay away from these things if they are enjoyable to you. However, I believe it is worth considering how it makes you feel. Next time you watch something extremely violent/scary pay attention to how you feel afterwards. Everything we consume, affects us subconsciously or consciously.
4. Unhealthy diet
As I previously shared with you, I have recently started eating much cleaner, and incorporating more natural, whole foods into my diet. I noticed a huge increase in my energy levels throughout the day. My previous diet consisted of mostly fast food every. single. day. I felt bloated after each meal and started having trouble digesting my food properly.
Recently, I have also learned that there is a very close connection between the mind and gut. If the body is not getting the right nutrients and things it needs to function properly, it could be contributing to things such as brain fog, poor concentration, irritability etc.
NOTE: ALWAYS make sure you consult your doctor or a professional prior to making any significant changes to your diet.
5. Lack of exercise & movement
Hear me out lol I am not saying you need to be in the gym every single day. I have found that moving my body in ways that feel good to ME, helps me in the moments when I feel the most anxious.
My preferred forms of exercise are walking and jogging. I try to do one or the other every day for at least 15-25 minutes.
Exercising regularly has SEVERAL health benefits. Some of which include improved strength & mobility, better concentration, and improvements in digestion.
Most importantly, exercise has the ability to help boost your mood because of the hormones released in the body during movement.
Again, it is important that you find something that YOU like, and start out slowly. You don’t have to train like an Olympic athlete lol, but it may be helpful for your mental health to become more active if you aren’t already.
6. Worrying too much about the future
This has perhaps been my biggest struggle. I am someone who likes to know things ahead of time so that I can prepare. I don’t ever like to be caught off guard.
I realized I tend to feel the most anxious when things are out of my control. Or when I cannot anticipate how a situation will turn out.
Lately I have been practicing being more mindful. I do this by focusing on where I am, what I am doing, and trying my best to simply be in the moment.
This takes a lot of time and effort, but it has been very helpful. I find that when I am able to come back to the present and remind myself, “I am safe, I am healthy, I am protected,” my anxious thoughts are able to calm down slowly but surely.
Anxiety impacts everyone differently. However, there is usually a root cause at the center of every anxious thought. If we can work to identify what some of those things are, it will allow us to be more mindful of the things we consume daily.
If you can relate to this, I want you to know that we are not helpless. We do not have to accept defeat or give in when anxiety tries to take control.
God bless & remember that you are loved.
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