Anxiety is our brain’s natural response to uncertainty and challenging scenarios, triggering corrective measures and actions to accomplish tasks. But too much anxiety and stress can be damaging to one’s
mental health in the long run. Experiencing constant anxiety can leave a person overstimulated and exhausted. This state of existence also invariably affects a person’s mental and physical health.
According to Aarushi Kohli, a mental health and rehabilitation therapist, too much anxiety causes physiological struggles and is never limited to just mental complications. “We often think of anxiety as something that happens only in the mind, like the overthinking, the worry, the constant feeling of being on edge. But anxiety is also deeply physical,” Kohli told HT Lifestyle.
When an individual feels anxious and nervous all the time, their nervous system also starts shifting to a constant state of tension. Amidst persistent worry and overthinking, we tend to ignore our health. It results in physical consequences in a major ripple effect.
“Stress hormones like cortisol stay high, sleep becomes light, digestion slows, and energy drops. Over time, the body begins to expect this tension, as if being alert all the time is the only way to stay safe. That’s how anxiety gradually rewires physiology: the nervous system learns to treat calm as unfamiliar and vigilance as normal,” Kohli further elaborated.
The therapist enlisted eight influential tips that may help people manage their anxiety and safeguard their brain health as well as physical well-being.
Pause And Notice
The journey of overcoming anxiety has to start with an individual first identifying their triggers and taking a pause to restore their body posture, breathing rate and overall calmness.
Slow Down Your Breath
Control your breath. Notice how your breathing rate soars through the roof during an uncertain, anxious and stressful situation. Controlling your breath would help you stay in a calmer state for better judgement and right decision-making.
Move Gently
Movement helps release the stress your body holds. Incorporate yoga, walking or any physical activity in your daily routine.
Safety Rituals
Create safe and relaxing rituals that you follow in your daily life. It could be as simple as listening to music or watching some light content during a lunch break.
Analyse Your Anxiety
Tell yourself, “Something in me feels anxious right now.” Notice what causes you stress without judging your response and feeling bad. It develops inner safety.
Rest Before Crash
Break the pattern of sequences causing you anxiety by taking a short break to mentally recharge.
Reach For Connection
If you have someone you trust, do make sure to open up about your struggles. Being isolated and anxious is a dangerous combination.
Seek Professional Help
If these tricks and tips don’t work, reach out to a mental health expert for professional help and guidance.
