General Anxiety
People with Generalised Anxiety Disorder may:
- Worry excessively about everyday things
- Have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness
- Know that they worry much more than they should
- Feel restless and have trouble relaxing
- Have a hard time concentrating
- Startle easily
- Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Tire easily or feel tired all the time
- Have headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
- Have a hard time swallowing
- Tremble or twitch
- Feel irritable or “on edge”
- Sweat a lot, feel lightheaded, or feel out of breath
- Have to go to the bathroom frequently
Many people can find relief by adopting certain lifestyle or behavioral changes. These may include:
- getting regular exercise if possible
- eating a balanced and nutrient-dense diet
- getting enough sleep
- doing yoga and meditation
- avoiding stimulants, such as coffee and some over-the-counter medications, such as diet pills and caffeine pills
- talking with a trusted friend, spouse, or family member about fears and worries
There are many natural ways to reduce anxiety and help you feel better, including:
- Eating a healthy diet. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, high-quality meats, fish, nuts, and whole grains can lower the riskTrusted Source of developing anxiety disorders, but diet alone is probably not enough to treat them.
- Consuming probiotics and fermented foods. Taking probiotics and eating fermented foods are linked with improvedTrusted Source mental health.
- Limiting caffeine. Excessive caffeine intake may worsen feelings of anxiety in some people, especially those with anxiety disorders.
- Abstaining from alcohol. Drinking alcohol can affect your anxiety, so it may help to stay away from alcoholic beverages.
- Quitting smoking. Smoking may increaseTrusted Source the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
- Exercising often. Regular exercise may lower the risk of developing an anxiety disorder, but it’s not clear whether it helps those who already have an anxiety disorder.
- Trying meditation. Meditation-based therapy may significantly reduce symptoms in people with anxiety disorders.
- Practicing yoga. Regular yoga practice may reduce symptoms in people with anxiety disorders, but more high quality research is needed.
