Stress and anxiety are natural human responses to challenging situations. Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at some point in their lives, and these two emotions can even have positive effects when experienced in moderation. Stress helps us respond to dangerous situations by releasing hormones that give us a burst of energy, while anxiety alerts us to potential threats and helps us take preventive measures. Many effective therapies can help you manage your stress or anxiety more effectively. Here are three proven methods that may help you reduce stress and anxiety:
Seeing a therapist
If you’re experiencing a lot of stress or anxiety, seeing a therapist is the best way to get your stress under control. You can find a therapist online through find a therapist near me. Many people think they can manage their stress independently, but it takes an average of six months to a year to “work through” one’s emotions. If you have a more pressing issue like a death in the family that needs immediate attention, this could take even longer. In contrast, seeing a therapist only takes a few weeks to a month for most people.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help you reduce excessive anxiety and stress. It is considered an evidence-based approach to managing stress and can help people who have problems with anxiety disorders, panic disorders, phobias, and mood disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended by a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist, or you can also use CBT on your own at home to manage unwanted stress and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy involves understanding how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are related and how you can change problematic behavior patterns. The goal of Cognitive behavioral therapy is for you to learn to manage your thoughts and feelings to reduce your stress and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage stress and anxiety because it encourages you to examine, challenge, and change unhelpful and negative thoughts that may be contributing to your stress and anxiety.
Exercise Yoga and other Breathing Exercises
Exercise is a commonly recommended treatment for stress and anxiety, and for a good reason – it works! Exercising has been shown to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression while also improving self-esteem, sleep quality, and mental clarity. Exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of stress-related health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. The exercises include;
- Yoga – Yoga is an ancient practice that has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress. It has many varieties suited for different people with different needs and goals. Yoga is a mind-body practice that involves breathing exercises, meditation, yoga poses, and relaxation.
- Walking
- Running
- Swimming
- Strength training
There is no one-size-fits-all breathing exercise, but many yoga sessions include instructions and activities designed to reduce stress and anxiety. Try these exercises at home and see if they help reduce stress and anxiety. If you find an exercise you enjoy and feel motivated to do regularly, it can help reduce your stress and anxiety even more.
Stress and anxiety are natural human responses to challenging situations. While these biological responses can be beneficial in small doses, an excessive amount can be harmful. Many effective therapies can help you manage your stress or anxiety more effectively. Cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and other breathing exercises have all been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Try these therapies for stress and anxiety and see if you notice a difference.
