Anxiety is constantly on the rise, and frankly, it is getting hard to ignore it. Ultimately, individuals face days packed with challenges during their commute journey, in the workplace, and even at home. We are constantly at the center of a fast-paced network of connections, interactions, and data, so it is becoming impossible to fully relax away from day-to-day stress. From your boss emailing you to a friend sharing their troubles on social media, stress is everywhere, and as a result anxiety is a common occurrence in the USA.
Yet, while many of us live under the constant pressure of anxiety, it can be hard to notice when it flares up and becomes too much. Truth be told, you should not approach anxiety lightly, nor should you ignore its symptoms.
Ideally, you want to reach out to a specialist to discuss your coping mechanisms, your anxiety, and the best tips to manage it and free yourself from it. Your family doctor is also here to help you through your mental health journey. The following tips below do not exclude reaching out to your doctor and opening up about your mental health struggles.
Here are some easy tips to give your mental health a boost and nip an anxiety flare up in the bud. Remember, these do not replace medical assistance.
Baking: A therapeutic culinary escape
Baking is not just about creating delicious treats. It is also a therapeutic activity that can help combat anxiety. The precise measurements and step-by-step process of baking can be grounding and calming.
You can not only produce a yummy cake by baking this chocolate cake recipe, for example, but also experience a sense of accomplishment and control. This can counter the feelings of helplessness that typically accompany anxiety.
Besides, there is so much joy in sharing your freshly baked goodies with friends and family, bringing a sense of joy and connection in the midst of an anxiety flare up.
Chocolate: The sweet indulgence for stress reduction
So, you’ve baked the chocolate cake? Now it’s time to eat it. Chocolate, and particularly dark chocolate, can be a delightful way to reduce anxiety. Dark chocolate contains flavonols, which have mood-lifting effects.
Besides, consumption of chocolate can trigger the release of endorphins, the famous feel-good hormones in the brain. This can lead to improving your mood and help decrease anxiety.
Admittedly, you can not fight anxiety with chocolate cake only, as this would be an unhealthy approach. But once in a while, it can do your mood some good!
Pampering yourself: Self-care for anxiety relief
Self-care is an essential aspect of maintaining mental health. And it can be beneficial to make time for a self-care routine inspired by beauty salons. For instance, you can take a warm bath to relax your body. Make a point of creating a pampering routine, such as indulging in a face and hair mask once a week to soothe your skin but also your mind.
Pampering is a physical reminder to look after yourself and love yourself. Sometimes, the brain is trapped in a vicious anxious circle. So adding soothing gestures that prioritize self-love, care, and self-worth can be a game-changer.
Will these activities get rid of anxiety? Of course not, but they can become part of your toolkit to fight anxiety day after day. While these activities can help manage mild anxiety, if you are struggling with severe anxiety, it is crucial to seek professional support.
