Surviving Major Life Changes with Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
The world around us is constantly changing, and major life changes are inevitable. Whether it’s a new job, moving to a new city, or dealing with loss, significant shifts can often bring about a sense of anxiety and unease. Still, it’s important to remember that these feelings are completely natural, and there are strategies to help us navigate through them. Here’s what you should know about therapy for anxiety disorders and how to find the right individual therapist to help you through this.
Breathing Exercises
Often, the body’s response to stress can result in rapid, shallow breathing that might escalate anxiety. By consciously controlling our breathing, we can trigger a relaxation response, mitigating anxiety symptoms. Techniques like deep belly breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, or box breathing can be instrumental in managing stress levels. Regular practice of these exercises can improve your ability to handle anxiety-provoking situations effectively.
Organization and Order
When life changes, chaos can seem to ensue. During these times, maintaining a sense of order and organization can be grounding. Simple practices like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating nutritious meals, or sticking to a daily to-do list can bring a sense of normalcy and control. Consider using organizational tools like calendars, reminder apps, or physical notebooks to keep track of tasks and appointments.
Find Healthy Ways to Be Comfortable
During periods of high stress, we may be tempted to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking or overeating. It’s crucial to cultivate healthy habits that bring comfort and relaxation. This might include reading a good book, taking a warm bath, listening to your favorite music, or practicing mindfulness meditation. Regularly dedicating time to such activities can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Exercise and Staying Active
Regular physical activity can work wonders for mental health. Exercise produces endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers—and it also improves our ability to sleep, reducing stress. Whether it’s a daily walk, yoga, cycling, or hitting the gym, staying active can help clear the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Speak to Someone Close to You
When facing life changes and the anxiety they can bring, remember that you don’t have to face them alone. Connecting with friends, family, or loved ones and sharing your feelings can provide emotional support and alternative perspectives. Often, merely speaking about your anxieties can lighten their burden.
Request a Free Consultation with Empower Professional Counseling Services for Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
While all these strategies can help manage anxiety, it’s important to recognize when professional help might be needed. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and affects your daily life, it may be time to seek therapeutic help.
Empower Professional Counseling Services offers a free consultation for those struggling with anxiety disorders. Get in touch with us to schedule your consultation for therapy for anxiety disorders.