The post Why Exercise is the Best Medicine for Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These chemicals have a natural calming and mood-boosting effect, effectively reducing anxiety.
Physical activity helps regulate cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Regular exercise prevents cortisol from spiking too high, which can contribute to anxiety and other stress-related disorders.
Anxiety and sleep troubles often go hand in hand. Exercise helps improve the quality of your sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling more refreshed and less anxious.
Engaging in physical activity offers a mental break from the stressors of daily life, giving your mind time to relax and reset.
Regular exercise can lead to increased self-esteem and body confidence, which, in turn, can reduce feelings of anxiety and worry.
Many forms of exercise involve social interaction, which can help combat loneliness and feelings of isolation, common triggers for anxiety.
The post Why Exercise is the Best Medicine for Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Tips to Get You Through When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>When you feel like everything’s coming at you at once, start by creating one list including all of the things that you need to accomplish. Categorize your responsibilities, identify which ones are most urgent, and break them into small, manageable steps that feel less daunting. As much as possible, try to simplify your schedule by saying no to non-essential commitments until you have less on your plate.
Mindfulness encourages keeping all of your focus in the present moment, which can be especially helpful when your mind is racing with all of the things that you need to get done. The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths, then direct your attention to the crown of your head. Slowly scan down through your body, acknowledging any sensations that arise without judgment.
We all need help sometimes, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for it. If you struggle with feelings of being overwhelmed, consider talking to a friend, family member, or therapist you trust. Sharing your thoughts and emotions can provide relief and perspective while helping you to navigate challenges more effectively.
The post Tips to Get You Through When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post How to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve to Reduce Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Taking slow, deep breaths causes your diaphragm to move rhythmically, massaging the vagus nerve and sending a message to your body that it’s safe to relax. Practice by inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of four, holding for a count of seven, and exhaling through your mouth for a count of eight. If these times feel like too much of a challenge, simply focus on extending the length of your exhales so that they’re longer than your inhales. Repeat this cycle 4-8 times.
Exercise, especially activities like yoga or tai chi that incorporate deep breathing, encourages better vagal tone and can help move the nervous system from a sympathetic fight-or-flight state toward the parasympathetic rest-and-digest. You don’t have to work up a sweat to reap the benefits—even passive asanas such as Child’s Pose or Happy Baby are enough.
This one is a bit more controversial, and it should definitely be practiced with a healthy dose of caution, but research does show that exposing yourself to a few minutes of cold is an effective way to stimulate the vagus nerve. If you’re up for it, try ending your daily shower with a few seconds of cold water, or use a cold compress on your face as a gentler, more contained option.
The post How to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve to Reduce Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Tips for Dealing with Health Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>They say knowledge is power, but it can also be a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to health anxiety. Endlessly reading about symptoms online is a surefire way to send yourself spiraling, so limit your research to reliable sources and trusted healthcare professionals. Avoid the temptation to self-diagnose, instead focusing on learning about your condition as objectively as possible. Ask your doctor for clarification when needed.
Incorporating mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises into your daily routine can both reduce anxiety and may even help to improve certain symptoms. Deep breathing, yoga nidra, and meditation are all excellent ways to cultivate mental clarity so that you can more easily differentiate between real health concerns and anxiety-driven fears. When anxious thoughts do surface, try to acknowledge them without judgment and gently redirect your focus to the present moment.
Therapists and other mental health professionals can provide much-needed support by helping you learn to identify and challenge irrational thoughts, develop coping strategies, and desensitize you to your fears over time. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, psychological strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy may be enough, though medication may also be worth considering if you’re really struggling.
The post Tips for Dealing with Health Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post 3 Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Weighted blankets provide a sensation known as deep touch pressure, a firm yet gentle pressure that has been proven to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. The pressure stimulates the brain to release serotonin, which is then converted into the sleep hormone melatonin.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for several functions including our ability to focus and maintain stable moods. By stimulating the release of serotonin, weighted blankets can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression like physical discomfort and restlessness.
The feeling of a weighted blanket can be especially beneficial to people with certain disorders that affect sensory processing. Increased sensory input can promote a sense of calm that allows for greater focus and reduced hyperactivity.
The post 3 Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Why Exercise is the Best Medicine for Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These chemicals have a natural calming and mood-boosting effect, effectively reducing anxiety.
Physical activity helps regulate cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Regular exercise prevents cortisol from spiking too high, which can contribute to anxiety and other stress-related disorders.
Anxiety and sleep troubles often go hand in hand. Exercise helps improve the quality of your sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling more refreshed and less anxious.
Engaging in physical activity offers a mental break from the stressors of daily life, giving your mind time to relax and reset.
Regular exercise can lead to increased self-esteem and body confidence, which, in turn, can reduce feelings of anxiety and worry.
Many forms of exercise involve social interaction, which can help combat loneliness and feelings of isolation, common triggers for anxiety.
The post Why Exercise is the Best Medicine for Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Tips to Get You Through When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>When you feel like everything’s coming at you at once, start by creating one list including all of the things that you need to accomplish. Categorize your responsibilities, identify which ones are most urgent, and break them into small, manageable steps that feel less daunting. As much as possible, try to simplify your schedule by saying no to non-essential commitments until you have less on your plate.
Mindfulness encourages keeping all of your focus in the present moment, which can be especially helpful when your mind is racing with all of the things that you need to get done. The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths, then direct your attention to the crown of your head. Slowly scan down through your body, acknowledging any sensations that arise without judgment.
We all need help sometimes, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for it. If you struggle with feelings of being overwhelmed, consider talking to a friend, family member, or therapist you trust. Sharing your thoughts and emotions can provide relief and perspective while helping you to navigate challenges more effectively.
The post Tips to Get You Through When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post How to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve to Reduce Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Taking slow, deep breaths causes your diaphragm to move rhythmically, massaging the vagus nerve and sending a message to your body that it’s safe to relax. Practice by inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of four, holding for a count of seven, and exhaling through your mouth for a count of eight. If these times feel like too much of a challenge, simply focus on extending the length of your exhales so that they’re longer than your inhales. Repeat this cycle 4-8 times.
Exercise, especially activities like yoga or tai chi that incorporate deep breathing, encourages better vagal tone and can help move the nervous system from a sympathetic fight-or-flight state toward the parasympathetic rest-and-digest. You don’t have to work up a sweat to reap the benefits—even passive asanas such as Child’s Pose or Happy Baby are enough.
This one is a bit more controversial, and it should definitely be practiced with a healthy dose of caution, but research does show that exposing yourself to a few minutes of cold is an effective way to stimulate the vagus nerve. If you’re up for it, try ending your daily shower with a few seconds of cold water, or use a cold compress on your face as a gentler, more contained option.
The post How to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve to Reduce Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Tips for Dealing with Health Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>They say knowledge is power, but it can also be a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to health anxiety. Endlessly reading about symptoms online is a surefire way to send yourself spiraling, so limit your research to reliable sources and trusted healthcare professionals. Avoid the temptation to self-diagnose, instead focusing on learning about your condition as objectively as possible. Ask your doctor for clarification when needed.
Incorporating mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises into your daily routine can both reduce anxiety and may even help to improve certain symptoms. Deep breathing, yoga nidra, and meditation are all excellent ways to cultivate mental clarity so that you can more easily differentiate between real health concerns and anxiety-driven fears. When anxious thoughts do surface, try to acknowledge them without judgment and gently redirect your focus to the present moment.
Therapists and other mental health professionals can provide much-needed support by helping you learn to identify and challenge irrational thoughts, develop coping strategies, and desensitize you to your fears over time. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, psychological strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy may be enough, though medication may also be worth considering if you’re really struggling.
The post Tips for Dealing with Health Anxiety appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post 3 Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Weighted blankets provide a sensation known as deep touch pressure, a firm yet gentle pressure that has been proven to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. The pressure stimulates the brain to release serotonin, which is then converted into the sleep hormone melatonin.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for several functions including our ability to focus and maintain stable moods. By stimulating the release of serotonin, weighted blankets can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression like physical discomfort and restlessness.
The feeling of a weighted blanket can be especially beneficial to people with certain disorders that affect sensory processing. Increased sensory input can promote a sense of calm that allows for greater focus and reduced hyperactivity.
The post 3 Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>