Do you know that about 7 million adults (about 3.1% of the entire population) in the US suffer from a general anxiety disorder? This number only pertains to the clinical form of anxiety and doesn’t take into account the everyday stress, depression, anxiety, and wariness that is extremely prevalent in the lives of almost all people.
Anywhere you go, you will hear stories of deteriorating mental health and a depressed state of mind. The pandemic has wreaked havoc with the physical and mental health of people everywhere. People are left isolated and lonely, feeling like there is no end to the dark tunnel.
However, once in a blue moon, you come across a person with true contentment on their faces and perfect peace in their heart. You might wonder about their secret to a serene existence.
Believe it or not, there are science-backed ways through which you can live and cope well in life. If you want to know how to achieve that, keep reading to find out more.
While some people might have the ability to attend sessions with therapists, which can be highly effective, not everyone has the time and money to get expensive medical help. Therapists can take the burden off your chest, but there are other things you can do at your own time for overcoming anxiety and stress.
Here are all the simple things you can do to live a better life.
If you are feeling too anxious and depressed to do anything productive, you need to start by taking baby steps. With all the stress of a busy, anxious life, you may forget to have a glass of water in peace. You shouldn’t be rushing around taking sips from the bottle once in a while.
Sit down for 5 minutes without any devices or distractions and drink a big glass of water calmly. Take the whole 5 minutes and don’t gulp the water down. Just relax, look towards the trees or the sky, and drink water.
Think of it as your water break and take it at least 4-5 times a day. People underestimate what staying hydrated can do. Try it out, and you will start to see the difference in a matter of days.
Exercise and physical movement are important and beneficial for mental health. One of the things that cause deterioration of the quality of life is a still, stagnant life spent lying down. It might look like you are resting, but overdoing sitting and lying down can lead to serious health issues like obesity, heart problems, diabetes, depression, blood pressure, and more.
When everything was shut down during the pandemic, exercise (even if it’s just walking) was encouraged as a recreational activity to boost immunity. This is how physical movement is significant in optimizing health.
You don’t need to buy fancy equipment. Taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes will leave you sweating and full of happy endorphins. Make it a routine to do any exercise you enjoy at least 3 to 4 times a week, and you will observe the cloud of anxiety lifting.
This is no hoax to get you to pick up your books. Scientific facts back up the claim that reading a book, not newspapers and magazines, can improve your mood, mental health, and longevity to a significant amount.
A good book can fill you with happy hormones, alleviate stress, instill motivation, and inspire a new way of living. If you don’t have the habit of reading, start with small books that can be easily finished. Buy a book in a genre you are most interested in, and it doesn’t have to be self-help. You can begin with sci-fi as well.
Make a hot mug of coffee or tea, sit in a cozy corner, and just let the words in the book consume your mind.
As much of an introvert and antisocial person you consider yourself to be, know that being on your own for stretched periods is not healthy for the mind. Isolation and loneliness can increase the chances of early death. On the other hand, having strong ties with friends and family can greatly increase your lifespan.
This is because a great company of like-minded people keeps you involved and active via similar interests. You also get to share your emotional burdens with a friendly ear, which can improve your mood and mental well-being.
Make an effort to be social. If you don’t have too many friends, join a community, a volunteer group, or a meetup society to meet people with similar interests.
Pets are a perfect way to give you the much-needed comfort and solace in life. They’ll be home waiting for you with their furry presence. You can play with them, cuddle, and take them for walks. This is even a great way to meet other pet enthusiasts.
There are playdates arranged for different kinds of pets, and you can socialize there as well. Having a pet is an easy ice-breaker with a lot of people, and it is a comfortable way to evade loneliness if you are an introvert.
It might look like everyone is keen on retiring early nowadays, but living your life without a single task to do in the day and chilling on a beach is not the key to a happy life. Vacations and breaks are necessary. You must make it a point to detach from work at least once a year and get some downtime.
However, purposeful work is a central part of leading a good life. Find something you love or at least like enough to get deeply involved with. Try, fail, and choose something else, but don’t give up and settle with meaningless work that only gives you anxiety. Do great work and do it with passion.
Living a wonderful life with happy and joyous moments is possible. It might seem an impossible task to get a single moment of peace in the dark days of anxiety and stress. But with the tips above and your effort, you will be able to create a safe space for yourself soon.
If you have any tips to live life well and cope during stressful times, share your insight in the comments.