How to Minimize Panic and Boost Mental Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
Mental health has always been important, but it seems that only in the past few years has it been a top priority in the world of health and wellness. Suddenly we’re bombarded with all things mental health. But even with all of the available information, more people than ever before seem to be struggling with mental health issues. And while it’s tempting to think that this means a world full of depressed people, the top mental health issue in the world today is actually anxiety. Between higher pressures, greater comparisons, and technology to make it all worse, we live in an anxious world. If you’re struggling with anxiety and panic, take a look at these ways to manage the stress and boost mental health for good.
Choose Your Thoughts
Many people aren’t even aware that this is possible, but everything is a choice. If you’re having trouble with panic attacks or excessive anxiety, listen to your inner monologue. Is it inherently negative? Is it telling you that you’re incapable, inadequate, or otherwise missing out on something? If it is, make the choice to speak kindly to yourself. Consciously choose to tell yourself that you’re capable, more than adequate, and perfectly enough. While it will take some practice, once you’ve changed your inner voice to speak more positively, you may notice a bit of anxiety fade away.
Observe Your Triggers
When it comes to anxiety that gets strong enough to cause panic, most people have a few triggers leading up to the event. For some people, it may be stress at work. For others, it may be communicating with a particular person. The key is to find the triggers that cause your excessive panic, and then avoid these triggers. If you can keep these little triggers out of your life, you have a better chance at managing anxiety and keeping panic at bay.
Learn the Value of Breathing
For some people, taking some long, deep, slow, deliberate breaths can help to lower panic and anxiety when they begin to creep up. For others, it’s learning to take a few deep breaths before reacting that is key to managing anxiety. Either way, these deep breaths serve as a calming technique. When something happens and our minds begin to panic, the deliberate breathing can re-center us. It grounds us to the moment and gives us a second or two to think about what’s happening. Get a deep breathing practice going in your life, and you’ll have an anxiety busting technique to last a lifetime.
There’s nothing worse than dealing with constant anxiety. Though this is a growing problem in the world, it’s not one that you should allow to take over your life. Use these tips to minimize the anxiety, control the panic, and to leave you feeling calmer and happier than ever before.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carrollton, Tex.