28/05/2025
Calming Self-Care Activities for People With Anxiety Disorders.
• Regular exercise:
Regular physical activity, such as yoga or running, can help manage anxiety by releasing endorphins and reducing physical tension. Any form of exercise that you enjoy will help you to regulate mood. Studies indicate that regular exercise may help improve symptoms among people with generalised anxiety or panic disorder, with more intense exercise having the most benefits. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Increasing the intensity of your chosen exercise may benefit both your physical and mental health
• Eat a Nutritious Diet: A balanced diet of whole foods can positively impact mental health. Limit processed foods, caffeine, and sugar to prevent exacerbating anxiety symptoms. Prioritise whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, and limit your intake of processed, packaged, and fried foods.
• Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a tried-and-true relaxation strategy that can help you focus your mind and ground yourself in the present moment. With practice, it can gradually help reduce the tendency to worry excessively about the past or future. Like physical exercise, this is something we need to practice regularly. Your mind can be likened to a muscle in the sense that it can be trained too!
• Improved Sleep Routine: Sleep is important for everyone, but getting quality sleep can be challenging if you have an anxiety disorder, due to increased levels of stress and hyperarousal. Aim to establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and create a calming sleep environment. Relaxation exercises before bed (such as breathwork and/or meditation) may also help.
• Spend Time with Others: Strong social connections can provide support and alleviate feelings of isolation. Engage with friends, family, or other supports and participate in social activities. Engaging in social activities can help to distract you from anxious thoughts and foster a sense of belonging and purpose. Connect with people who have similar interests to yours. Consider joining a local club, meetup, or another organisation in your local or online community.
• Make Time for Your Favorite Hobbies: Engaging in hobbies can distract from anxious thoughts and provide fulfillment. Activities like nature walking, painting or gardening offer creative outlets. Make time for the things that give you joy in life.
Incorporating these self-care strategies can help to manage symptoms of anxiety. If you are however experiencing high/severe levels of anxiety and are finding that the symptoms are hindering you – (for example, symptoms of social anxiety may pose challenges with regards to connecting with others ) …
it may also be useful to engage with a therapist to assist you in finding management strategies. I have assisted many clients with anxiety reduction techniques. Please reach out if you would like to discuss a counselling/coaching program tailored to your needs. There is always a way. Yours in good health, Lesley 🥰