Top Mental Health Experts Share Their Advice for Coping with Stress and Anxiety
Introduction
Stress and anxiety are mental health problems that affect many people globally. It’s estimated that every year, nearly 20% of adults in the United States experience some form of mental illness. Among these, stress and anxiety are the most prevalent. Symptoms of Stress and anxiety are physical as well as emotional. This includes fatigue, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. Left untreated, they can also lead to further complicated mental health conditions such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
To help you better cope with stress and anxiety, we reached out to some of the top mental health experts in the field. These experts have years of experience treating patients with stress and anxiety and have a wealth of knowledge and advice to share. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is an effective way to cope with stress and anxiety. It is when you are present at the moment, and you pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. You observe your physical sensations without judging anything at all. By practicing mindfulness regularly, you can gain control over your thoughts and feelings and reduce the negative impact of stress and anxiety on your life.
It helps you cultivate an attitude of non-judgmental acceptance toward your thoughts and emotions. This eventually leads to reduced anxiety. It’s a simple yet powerful tool you can use anywhere, anytime.
2. Exercise regularly
Physical activity is another effective way to manage stress and anxiety. Exercise has improved mood, increased energy levels, and reduced stress and anxiety symptoms. It is a great way to help release tension, clear your mind, and boost your mood. Mental health experts advise exercising for at least 30 minutes a day and doing it for five days every week. You can choose any activity that you enjoy. It could be hiking, running, or cycling, but do it consistently.
3. Connect with others
According to mental health experts, social support is another important factor in managing stress and anxiety. People with strong social support networks are less likely to experience stress and anxiety. They are also better equipped to cope with these emotions if and when they arise.
Making time to connect with friends, family, and other people in your life can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Spend time with people who support you, love you, and value you. Another option is to join a support group or online community to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
4. Get enough sleep
Sleep is another critical factor in managing stress and anxiety. People with a lack of sleeping hours are more prone to stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule. Additionally, make your sleep environment quiet, dark, and cool to help promote restful sleep.
5. Use stress-management tools
On top of the several ways mentioned above, mental health experts suggest many other tools and techniques to help manage stress and anxiety. Journaling is one of them. It can help you process your thoughts and feelings and gain control over them. Guided meditation and yoga are other effective techniques for reducing stress and anxiety.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the advice given here. All of the ways may not be equally good for you. Finding which of the above techniques works best for you requires you to try and explore, but don’t be discouraged. Keep trying until you find the tools and techniques that work best for you. Next, you should make them a regular part of your stress-management routine.
Remember, in many cases, stress and anxiety can be challenging to manage on your own. Hence, seeking professional help is a good and necessary step at times. If your stress and anxiety are impacting your daily life, affecting your relationships, or causing significant distress, consider reaching out to a mental health expert near you.
Mental health experts provide you with a safe and supportive environment. This will help you talk about your experiences and receive guidance and support. With the help of a mental health expert, you can learn coping strategies, better understand your mental health, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
If you are wondering where to start, many resources are available to help you find mental health specialists near you. You can search online for “mental health specialists near me.” You can also check out Sacramento neuro psych associates. They specialize in medical management for Treatment-Resistant Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
