10 Lifestyle Choices That Have Eased My Anxiety

    After being diagnosed with generalized anxiety and panic disorder a few years ago, my life became a roller coaster ride filled with drug-induced highs and depressive lows.

    I developed a life-threatening addiction to my anxiety medication and then survived an accidental overdose. This led me to do an entire lifestyle overhaul to overcome my addictions and manage my anxiety.

    My doctor insisted that I’d need to be on medication for the rest of my life due to the severity of my disorder. However, with time, faith and a lot of trial and error, I managed to successfully rid my life of all medications, I stopped smoking and learned how to control my anxiety.

    Since then, I’ve learned that there are many factors that can contribute to anxiety, including dietary and environmental triggers. Conversely, by making healthy choices, you can get a better grip on all of these conditions.

    Here is a list of 10 lifestyle choices that have personally helped ease my anxiety.

    1. I buy fresh flowers.

    Keeping fresh flowers around the house is a soothing reminder that no matter the soil, with proper nourishment, we can blossom. I love white calla lilies, which are commonly known as a symbol of faith, purity and rebirth.

    2. I decorated my home with colorful accessories.

    Our moods are often set within a few minutes of waking up. By sprucing up our home with a pop of color, we allow ourselves to see something beautiful when we wake up. I suggest buying a colorful pillow for your sofa or livening up a room with a brightly-colored rug. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy or expensive. Even a colorful painting can brighten your room and your mood.

    3. I read.

    I love self-help books and inspirational memoirs. I find it comforting to learn about other people’s experiences, because there is so much value in feeling connected to other people.

    4. I get into nature.

    Being outside can do more for your health than just provide give you with Vitamin D. In fact, research has found that just being outside makes you more likely to exercise.

    5. I eat the rainbow.

    I’m sure we can all agree that fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet. They provide our bodies with the vitamins and nutrients necessary to ward off illnesses and diseases. A simple rule of thumb when it comes to fruits and vegetables? Eat them all. You only get one body, so feed it based on the way you expect it to perform.

    6. I “go green” for breakfast.

    After becoming an avid juicer, I realized that by drinking a green juice or green smoothie in the morning, I had more energy throughout the day. I didn’t get the afternoon crash that’s associated with sugary or caffeinated beverages. To ensure you’re getting the proper amount of greens in each serving (and not overdoing sugar), I recommend the 80/20 rule — 80% vegetables to 20% fruit. You’ll thank me later. (And if you’re curious, here’s how to make my favorite green juice.)

    7. I meditate daily.

    So much of anxiety is rooted in worrying about the future. Meditation helps to bring my attention back to the present. If you’re not sure how to meditate, start by sitting quietly for a few minutes, focusing your attention on your breaths.

    You don’t have to sit in a traditional cross-legged seated position to enjoy the benefits. Just find a comfortable seat and dedicate yourself to your breathing. The idea isn’t to free your thoughts, as much as it is to observe them. This creates a little emotional distance between you and your thoughts and can soften any intense feelings you might be experiencing. (If you’re not sure how to start meditating, start here.)

    8. I leave work at work.

    Set boundaries for yourself so that home is truly a relaxing place. Turn off your work phone as soon as you get home, and don’t bother getting online — the emails can wait.

    9. I started a garden.

    Gardening combines the benefits of being in nature with the mental focus, awareness and patience needed to grow and maintain a harvest. If you don’t have the resources to plant a large garden, do what I did and start a small herb garden. I’m currently growing organic cilantro, parsley, ginger and basil in small flower pots and Mason Jars right in my two bedroom apartment.

    10. I tap into my creativity.

    We all have some creative genius in us, and anxiety can fuel our imagination in positive ways. Regardless of what you enjoy, make the most of it and channel that energy into something productive. If you love to cook, take a culinary class. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to tango, visit a local dance studio.

    Anxiety does not have to ruin your life. Let it serve as a reminder that there is still work that needs to be done. Remember, the goal is progression not perfection. It’s what I tell myself every day.

    Comments

    Related Articles

    House Hunting in the Digital Age: Tips and Tricks: A Modern Guide to Finding Your Dream Home

    Ah, the thrill of house hunting! It used to be all about driving around neighborhoods, peeking through windows, and chatting with local realtors. But,...

    Do landlords really need letting agents?

    There are two types of landlords: landlords who rent their properties independently and those who rely on leasing agents. On the other hand, there...

    Why Furniture Matters Most When Redesigning A Room

    Home is where the heart lies - that much is true! But in order to truly consider a place as our home, it must...

    How should you care and grow for a papaya plant?

    Papaya trees produce delicious tropical fruits with vibrant red-orange flesh and black seeds, often grown as quickly as their first flowering year. Not only...

    Tree Trimming Advice From Tree Trimming Services Professionals

    Tree Trimming Advice From Tree Trimming Services Professionals You may not need to hire tree trimming services if you have healthy trees or basic knowledge...

    The Rise & Fall of Anonymous

    Chances are you might have heard of the group “Anonymous” before, or at least recognised their Guy Fawkes masks. For those who don’t know,...

    What are the Safety Tips for Tree Pruning?

    What are the Safety Tips for Tree Pruning? This blog will assist homeowners in determining when and how to Tree Pruning. This page is for...

    5 Factors that Influence Resale Value And ROI

    5 Factors that Influence Resale Value And ROI Neighborhood Julianne and Kevin Warren spent $42,000 to remodel their 1950s ranch Resale Value home's kitchen. The house...

    8 Ways to Puppy Proof Your Home

    Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time. But before you bring your furry friend home, it's important to make sure your home...

    Subscribe

    15,000FansLike
    50,000FollowersFollow
    1,000FollowersFollow

    Same Category

    4 Steps to Success When Buying a Home

    Purchasing a new home is a huge financial responsibility....

    Beautiful Roof Gardens and Landscape Designs

    We came across some interesting landscape designing concepts from...

    5 Reasons To Hire A Public Adjuster

    When residents or businesses file insurance cases, many of...

    Stay in touch!

    Follow our Instagram

    error: Content is protected !!