Tips n Tricks

1. Talk to a therapist

Scheduling an appointment with a therapist to help begin a treatment for anxiety is crucial for coping with it. A professional therapist will help you develop a plan, whether medication is right for you, how often you need to see a therapist, and help you come up with techniques fit for you to deal with the anxiety.

2. Find a support group

Talking with others who go through similar things is both a validating and powerful tool for confronting your anxiety. We are social creatures and we desire a strong sense of community. You'll find and make friends you can depend on in these social groups who'll understand you on a deeper level.

3. Invest in a hobby

A hobby is a great way to stimulate your mind, focus on something else, and gives you both purpose and satisfaction in life. It could be writing, gaming, art, culinary skills, or something stress free you can do in your free time.

4. Take care of something

On the subject of hobbies, taking care of something like a plant, pet, or younger child will make you feel happier. Your mind will focus its resources on maintaining these and it can be a great way to use up that pent up energy. Of course, don't adopt a pet or get a plant or have a child if you're not ready. But if you have to babysit a younger relative or a friend's child, you already have a pet, or want to buy or grow a plant, use this opportunity not only to help others, but also yourself.

5. Exercise

30 minutes of walking a day 5 times a week is the recommended minimum to feeling happier and healthier. Spice it up by walking through a park, using a weekend where you'd usually lay in bed all day as a day to spend time outside jogging, walking, or enjoying scenary. You could do shopping in person, go to a friend's place, or do anything that involves light walking.

6. Go outside

We spend a lot of time nowadays indoors and we've lost touch with nature. a trip or day at the park once every few weeks if not weekly helps you forget the stress you deal with. Fresh air will do wonders.

7. Eat better, feel better

We eat lots of unhealthy foods nowadays and it's no wonder depression and anxiety are on the rise. You don't have to eat only healthy foods, but adding at least one meal of just vegetables will help. I like to replace chips with a snackable veggie like baby carrots or cucumber slices. You don't have to eat raw vegetables either, you can add them to your meals. The reason you hate vegetables is because you don't season them. You wouldn't eat chicken without seasoning, so why are you surprised that eating raw vegetables without seasoning is bland and disgusting? Sandwiches and Pizzas are great places to sprinkle in veggies. Try spinach and mushrooms as toppings. You can also replace small things like butter or Mayo with healthy alternatives like Avocado, Olive Oil, or Hummus. Replace your sugary drinks with fresh fruit smoothies. My favorite is a green juice I make with Kale/Spinach, cucumber, pineapple, and Celery. You can add green apples, kiwis, lime, aloe vera, or anything else for extra flavor.

8. Understand triggers

We all have triggers that can make anxiety more prominent and some of the most common include caffeine, stress, and self neglect. One of my personal triggers is greasy/oily food.