These habits might be contributing to your anxiety.
Let's be real, our world has been designed to be fast paced and “easier” but that doesn't mean it's made things better and more connected. If anything it has left us over-stimulated and very disconnected from our bodies.
It can be easy to overlook the subtle signs that our body sends us, and when we do ol’ buddy anxiety will often emerge as a symptom to a larger problem. In retrospect it can be an accumulation of the small choices and habits that we do on a daily basis that affect our overall well being, and can help to invite anxiety in, or keep them out.
Anxiety can be daunting and sometimes even debilitating, and while there may be external markers that affect our level of anxiety, it can often stem from a combination of lifestyle factors. Sometimes we can be fueling our anxiety and not even know it. Your body is always whispering, talking to you, until it has to scream. If you are like me, anxiety is one of those whispers.
Health is cumulative, and in our fast paced world, it can be impossible to slow down. People, more often or not, have to make time to slow down or people intentionally create a slower paced life. Either way, busy days happen. How many busy days have you had where at 3pm, you realised that you haven't drank anything except your morning coffee, or eaten anything more than a granola bar?
Here are some habits that you could be doing that might be fueling your anxiety.
Over consuming media / screen time : Not only does looking at a screen before bed affect how we sleep ( due to the blue light emitted from devices) but there are numerous studies about media affecting mental health and increasing anxiety. While it is good to stay informed about what is going on in the world at large, being mindful of how long you are looking at social media or events (and reducing that time) can greatly impact our mood and mental well being.
Dehydration : This can not be stressed enough. When we are dehydrated it can lead to increased stress levels, not only affecting our cognitive function, but also our moods. Have a water bottle with you. Drink nourishing teas or cold infusions throughout the day. If you are one to completely forget and then chug all your water between 6pm-9pm try setting timers for yourself as reminders during the day to keep your body and mind in harmony.
Overconsumption of sugar : Too much refined and simple sugars in our diet can lead to the blood sugar roller coaster, spiking and crashing, contributing to feelings of anxiety, mood swings, and inflammation. Cutting back on simple sugars and including a balance of complex carbohydrates, protein and fats in our meals can help regulate our blood sugar, and also our mood.
Skipping meals : Skipping meals can also have an effect on our blood sugar levels leaving us feeling “hangry” and with heightened levels of anxiety. Eating regular meals (that leave you feeling satiated) not only help you keep your energy levels even through the day but also make your mood more consistent and less anxious.
Read more about blood sugar here
Lacking time in nature : Maybe you are an indoor person when the snow hits but Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to help reduce stress and anxiety. Even sounds of bird calls, water and crickets have all shown to also reduce anxiety levels and up cognitive ability. You don't have to spend a lot of time every day out in nature - studies have shown that people who spend just 2 hours a week (about 17-18 minutes a day for 7 days) doing recreational activities outside, reported greater health and well being. People with chronic health issues also felt similar effects.
Too much Caffeine : Caffeine can provide us with a quick boost and actually be beneficial in circumstances. I won't be telling you to have any caffeine, but when we overindulge with caffeine, this can trigger anxiety, irritability and restlessness. You want to be mindful of your caffeine consumption during the day, and make sure that isn't the only fluid you are drinking throughout the day.
Nutrient Deficiencies : A lot of the time when we are busy we can be stuck in eating the same things over and over and over and over again. While having recipes on hand that are easy to make and a no brainer to think about are great, when we are stuck in eating the same thing, consistently, it can create nutritional deficiencies in our diet. You want to be eating a wide range of colourful and diverse foods to be able to get different nutrients that we need to properly fuel our body. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can lead to mood disturbances and increased anxiety. Consider consulting a healthcare professional to address any nutrient gaps in your diet.
A lot of the time anxiety is a symptom of a bigger picture, and it can be extremely helpful to recognize what your daily habits are that either help to reduce or exacerbate anxiety.
Dealing with chronic stress and anxiety can have a profound impact on your digestions and adrenal glands, both playing vital roles in regulating various bodily functions. By addressing our body's whispers and certain habits by making more mindful choices in the areas listed above, you can make significant steps towards living a balanced and anxiety free life.
Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you're struggling with anxiety, as they can provide tailored guidance and support on your journey to well-being. If you are interested in looking at your anxiety in a tailored and holistic way, click here. I would love to connect with you.
