According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders . That accounts for 18 percent of people between the ages of 18 to 54. If you suffer from daily anxiety, it can help to create a toolbox of strategies to deploy when stress takes hold.
There are a number of items and techniques you can carry to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Many times, just knowing you have these items can promote feelings of confidence and security, which serve to help ward off attacks.
Mints or antacids to relieve stomach discomfort
Hard candies to provide a distraction
Nuts or other snacks to improve low blood sugar
Colored pencils and paper for art therapy
A good book to provide a distraction
Stress balls
Scented items (try lavender and vanilla)
IPod or mp3 player with nature sounds or soothing music
Randomized relaxation technique reminder cards that say things such as "count to 100," "breathe," “practice mindfulness" or “imagine your favorite place”
A picture of your favorite place or beloved family member
A warm blanket
Breathing exercises
Imagery and visualization tactics
Positive self-talk
Thoughts of gratitude and accomplishments
Just as some things help to prevent or alleviate anxiety symptoms, there are other things that can spark or worsen an attack. These include:
Caffeine, cigarettes and other stimulants
Alcoholic beverages
Dehydration and infrequent eating
Sugary foods that cause you to crash
Nutritional deficiencies
Rumination and catastrophic thinking
Sleep deprivation
Some studies have shown that exposure to cold water in various forms can also help to alleviate anxiety . While it may not be practical to jump into a cold shower every time anxiety sets in, you can try drinking cold water to improve anxiety symptoms. Make sure to carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go. This can help to prevent anxiety related to symptoms of dehydration. At the same time, a dose of cold water can help distract you when panic sets in.
According to studies, sleep deprivation amplifies anxiety by stimulating the brain's amygdala and insular cortex, both of which play a key role in emotional processing. Other studies have shown that people with chronic insomnia are at a much higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder. In fact, research has shown that sleep difficulties are present in nearly every psychiatric disorder.
In some instances, anxiety is the catalyst for a sleep disorder. In other cases, insufficient sleep is the catalyst for anxiety. Still, for others, the relationship exists as a cycle with one problem influencing the other and vice versa.
If you suffer from anxiety on a regular basis, prioritize your sleep to make sure you get at least eight hours every night. You can start by going to bed and getting up the same time every day. You should also avoid stimulants, alcohol, blue light from tablets and televisions at least two hours before bedtime, since these have all been shown to promote sleep problems.