You were never meant to stay wrapped in anxiety’s grip. The fight-or-flight response is a remarkable response activated by the nervous system to protect us in times of danger. However, our minds can take this one step further and leave us in a state of chronic anxiety. If anxiety is interfering with your life, you need to make lasting lifestyle changes to lessen its effect. At Stone Oak Christian Counseling in Texas, we offer practical ways to help with anxiety in Stone Oak.
Ways to Help When You Are Anxious
Making small changes can help with anxiety. You do not need to overhaul your diet, join a marathon, or go to bed at 8 p.m. on day one. Incremental changes add up over time, slowly reducing your anxiety and stress. If you practice these tips consistently, your cortisol levels will decrease.
The following is a list of several ways to help reduce anxiety you can start today.
Exercise consistently Consistent exercise lowers anxiety naturally by reducing stress hormones and activating the release of hormones that leave you feeling good. Walking is a low-impact option that is good for beginners. Aim for at least 150 minutes of walking weekly or thirty minutes daily, five days a week. For a local excursion near Stone Oak, try the McAllister Park trailhead that joins the Salado Creek Greenway System for a scenic walk near Stone Oak.
Stretch throughout the day Stretching loosens tight muscles and soothes sore spots. We tend to tense our muscles when under a lot of stress, and stretching poses elongate these muscles. Try stretching exercises, yoga poses, Tai-chi, or Pilates; all are good low-impact options.
Indulge in fun for yourself When did you last get lost in a book or a movie? Your body releases feel-good chemicals when you indulge in a fun activity for yourself. This could be reading a book, watching a sitcom, writing a short story, or playing an instrument. You decide on the activity and schedule it on your calendar. Try to do something fun every day.
Respect bedtime One of the most effective ways to help anxiety is to go to bed earlier. Prioritizing sleep often goes ignored, yet good-quality sleep of around seven to nine hours a night will help your mind and body rest, recover, and repair. Try scaling your bedtime back by fifteen minutes weekly to make the transition easier.
Avoid foods and beverages that worsen anxiety Certain foods and beverages can worsen anxiety, disrupt sleep, and create physical ailments. Cut down on caffeinated drinks, added sugars, and ultra-processed foods. Aim for whole foods, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. If you’re looking for something healthy, easy, and convenient, try CleanEatz in Stone Oak, Texas.
Journal your thoughts Try journaling to understand your thoughts, behavioral patterns, and responses to stress. Writing down your thoughts provides you with an opportunity to identify triggers and work out ways to help anxiety. The time you decide to journal is left to you; some enjoy starting their day with fifteen minutes of journaling, while others would rather end the day in reflection.
Seek Christian counseling in Stone Oak, Texas Christian counseling in Stone Oak, Texas combines psychology with faith-based principles. It seeks to heal a person’s mental, emotional, and spiritual parts to make them whole. At Stone Oak Christian Counseling in Texas, faith-based therapy is available for every type of anxiety and for clients struggling with coexistent mental conditions, like depression.
Start today by choosing one or two ways to help anxiety. Practice consistently for a month, and then adapt two more strategies. Over time, you will feel a difference in your stress and anxiety levels.
Christian Counseling for Anxiety in Stone Oak, Texas
If you need more ways to help anxiety or want a more one-on-one approach with a Christian counselor in Stone Oak, contact our office today at Stone Oak Christian Counseling in Texas to schedule a session. We will connect you with a Christian counselor in Stone Oak to meet in person or through virtual sessions. Give us a call today to get started.
Photo:
“Country Road”, Courtesy of laura adai, Unsplash.com, Unsplash+ License
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Melissa Plantz: Author
Melissa Plantz is a Christian author and freelance writer. She spent twenty years in the pharmacy industry and has specialized in faith, fitness, nutrition, geriatrics, and mental health since 2015. She writes from the beautiful Lake Marion area in S...
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