How to Deal with Anxiety: Tips to Improve Your Mental Health

From work-related anxiety and changes in your personal life to constant fears about the present and the future, anxiety has impacted the lives of millions of Americans. Our schedules are packed with juggling household chores, work, and caring for our children. The current pandemic and the stress and uncertainty surrounding it have made maintaining mental health crises. Here are some useful tips on how to deal with anxiety.

Identify Your Feelings of Anxiety

One tip to managing anxiety is to identify the trigger and how your body reacts to it. Whether it is work-related stress or overexposure to social media, anxiety can manifest itself in many ways. Try to identify the trigger and note how your body reacts to it. Reactions include but are not limited to:

• uneven breathing
• restlessness
• shoulder or neck pain
• headaches
• stomach aches

Focus on What You Can Control

One of the most useful tips for dealing with anxiety is focussing on what you can control. For example, you might be afraid of catching COVID-19 or that a loved one may fall sick. Rather than worrying about uncertainty, focus your attention on what you can control. For example, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently.

Maintain Social Connections

Whether you are managing anxiety at work or home, it is crucial to have a robust support system to motivate you when you feel stressed or traumatized. Isolating yourself from social interactions may make you feel more alone. Reach out to your family or loved ones who will listen to your concerns and support.

Set Boundaries for Yourself

Problems arise when we ignore our intuitions and boundaries. You may not say no because you may feel guilty about disappointing a colleague, your boss, a client, or a loved one. Don’t neglect your discomfort in an uncertain situation. When turning down a request, be polite, straightforward, and honest about your reasons. Be respectful and understanding and avoid judging people when they set boundaries of their own.

Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health

Between your family responsibilities, work, and social situations, you may have little time to maintain your mental health. However, remember that giving attention to your mental health is just as important as your physical health.Set some weekly time to relax and connect with yourself. You can practice self-care by doing activities that can help you relax. This could be cooking a fancy meal, lighting candles, reading, or exercising. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, stay connected socially, and ask for help when you need it.If you are facing anxiety issues or have any questions about mental health, you can schedule an appointment with MI Express Care today. We are always there to help you!