An Effective Way to Handling a Stressful Life
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the United States. The American Institute of Stress reports that 55% of Americans are stressed throughout the day, which is 20% more than the global average!
When stress and anxiety go unmanaged, it can take a toll on us physically and emotionally, increasing the likelihood of depression, high blood pressure and heart attacks, compromising our immune function.
With 41% of Americans reporting feeling more anxious in 2021 than the year before, it is clear that stress and anxiety are affecting us more than ever.
Managing Depression
Depression is another common mental health disorder, and it often goes hand-in-hand with anxiety and stress. Many people who experience periods of anxiety also experience periods of depression, albeit at different times. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Symptoms of depression can include feeling sad, anxious or hopeless, experiencing a loss of interest in hobbies, lack of motivation, difficulty sleeping or focusing on tasks, and experiencing thoughts of suicide. It's important to recognize these symptoms to seek help and receive treatment.
Typically, depression is managed via different types of therapy and/or medication. Specific treatment plans will vary between individuals, and cater to their unique needs. Talk therapy, psychotherapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common treatments.
Keep reading to learn more about how to manage your mood, and cope with stress and anxiety, as well as depression.
Eat Healthy Foods
- Consume well-balanced meals with protein, fiber, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- It is also essential to stay hydrated as well.
- Limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugar as these can affect our energy and mood.
- Contact a registered dietitian for personalized advice on meal planning, nutrition, and supplementation.
The benefits of a healthy diet according to Harvard research and the Cleveland Clinic:
- Supports immune function.
- Increased energy helps in coping with stress and anxiety.
- Balances blood sugar, which has a positive effect on stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Supports brain function, including improved concentration and focus.
Good Sleep Habits
“Sleep hygiene" refers to the habits you can practice daily to ensure you get a restful night of sleep. Sleep is necessary for both physical and mental health, so ensure you are setting yourself up for a good night of sleep with these simple tips.
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day trains your brain and body to know when is time to be awake and when is time to sleep.
- Cultivate a healthy sleep environment: a cool, comfortable temperature, and keep your room as dark and quiet as possible.
- No screens at least 1 hour before bed. Our screens emit blue light, which can interfere with our circadian rhythms and impact our sleep quality. Turn your devices to silent and store them away from your bed while you are sleeping.
- Using your bed only for sleep (no TV, work, social media, etc.) also helps our brains to associate our beds only with sleep.
- Develop a bedtime routine to help you start to relax and tell your brain it’s time to rest. Examples include reading, stretching, and using relaxation techniques to relieve stress (more on those below).
- Just 30 minutes of exercise can improve sleep quality. Make sure to exercise at least a couple of hours before bedtime so your workout doesn’t impact your ability to fall asleep.
Developing healthy sleep habits is an important part of an overall self-care routine that can help us cope with anxiety and stress in our everyday lives. It can also help with dealing with conditions like anxiety and depression, which can greatly impact our sleep.
Exercise
The American Heart Association recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. This could look like 30 minutes of exercise, five days per week, or several 10-minute sessions each day. Make sure to build up to this and check in with your doctor if you have any health conditions.
There are lots of ways to get exercise; choose something you enjoy. Examples include:
- Running, jogging, or walking.
- Lifting weights.
- Biking.
- Swimming.
- Playing a sport like tennis.
- Dancing or practicing yoga.
- Other activities like gardening or taking the stairs rather than the elevator - every bit counts!
Incorporating exercise into your self-care routine can relieve stress and help you to cope with anxiety and depression by boosting endorphins (those feel-good brain hormones). Exercise also helps with sleep, energy levels, and physical fitness.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing can help to relax your mind, regulate the nervous system, and relieve stress. One technique to guide you while you take deep breaths is called “square" or “box breathing." This technique is powerful enough that it has been used with athletes, Navy Seals, and first responders, yet simple enough to teach young children.
How does it work? Sit in a relaxed position with your feet flat on the floor and sit up straight. If possible, it’s preferable to do this in a quiet, relaxed room.
- Exhale to empty your lungs for a count of 4 seconds.
- Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose for a count of 4 seconds. Notice your belly rise.
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.
- Repeat the process as many times as needed.
This technique is called “box breathing" or “square breathing" because it can be helpful to visualize the sides of a square while completing this exercise. This video is a great guide to help you learn this technique!
Other Relaxation Techniques
- 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique, which is effective for anxiety and stress.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation, which can help with relaxation and sleep.
Talk to a Healthcare Provider
If you are concerned about your mental health or are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, help is available. You may want to start by contacting your primary care provider.
Primary Care Physician
- Can rule out any physical health conditions.
- Can diagnose and recommend treatments for depression and anxiety disorders.
- Can refer you to a registered counselor for further support.
Registered Counselor
- Can help you learn tools and techniques to manage stress and anxiety, develop coping skills and routines, and set boundaries in your work and personal life
- You don’t need to have a mental health diagnosis to go to therapy, and you don’t have to wait until things are bad enough; therapy can benefit everyone.
Managing stress and anxiety can feel daunting - but there are simple changes that you can make to your everyday self-care routine that can relieve stress and help you cope with anxiety. You can choose one area to start and slowly build up a solid self-care routine. Focus on eating healthy foods, practicing stress-reduction relaxation techniques, and getting regular exercise and good quality sleep.