Reduce the Risks of Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks occur for many reasons, and triggers can include substance abuse, excessive amounts of caffeine, negative thinking, and financial concerns — and there are many more. Anxiety is the most common mental illness and can sometimes seriously affect a person's quality of life. By taking specific steps, you can help prevent an attack and eliminate that feeling of unease and panic.

Substance-Induced Anxiety

Psychoactive substances such as alcohol and cannabis can worsen anxiety. It's not unusual to feel some uneasiness after consuming alcohol. Still, if you're frequently experiencing panic attacks after drinking, you'll need to step back and take a serious look at your alcohol consumption.

People who already suffer from anxiety are more prone to experiencing a panic attack when using weed due to the substance's common side effects, which include elevated heart rate and a racing mind. Caffeine is another substance that can sometimes cause individuals to become anxious. While caffeine has mental benefits, such as its ability to reduce oxidation and fight inflammation, high doses can induce anxiety symptoms.

Mindful Meditation

Meditation is the practice of focused concentration and has been shown to be effective at reducing both the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety. One of the most popular types of mediation, mindfulness, can help you calm your mind and body and help you go with the flow instead of continually evaluating your thoughts. The practice involves breathing exercises, guided imagery, and focusing attention.

Lavender at the Ready

Products that contain diluted oil from the flowering plant may help reduce or control symptoms of anxiety. The oil can be topically applied during a massage to help you relax, or you can apply it to your wrists, behind your ears, and the nape of your neck, allowing you to reap its benefits throughout the day.

Seek Counselling

When your anxiety gets so bad it starts to interfere with your daily life and puts limitations on what you can do, it's time to seek professional advice.

Knowing what to expect from your first therapy session can help reduce the risk of an attack induced by seeking help in the first place. You'll likely be asked many questions, and your therapist will want to determine what type of treatment matches your needs. These could include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is widely used to treat anxiety disorders.

There are several aspects of a job that can cause someone to experience anxiety. These could include meeting tight deadlines, sour relationships with certain work colleagues, unrealistic expectations, and much more. If work is the leading cause of your anxiety, consider going back to school, which will allow you to change your career path. By enrolling in an online program, you can work toward your degree, such as marketing or project management, at your own pace while remaining in your current role.

Free Yourself

Anxiety can limit what you're able to do and can have a massive effect on your quality of life. By following simple steps and avoiding specific triggers, you can free yourself from a life of stress and anxiety.

Pilates and breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety. To find out more, visit Pilates With Scott.