How Anxiety Shows Up In Your Body
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Anxiety is a very real, physical experience that can have a profound impact on an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. While many of us are aware of the common mental symptoms of anxiety, such as fear or racing thoughts, few people know that it can also manifest itself in physical ways. With this in mind, here are some of the key bodily effects which can occur when feeling anxious:
Increased Heart Rate – One of the most noticeable and immediate signs of anxiety is a sudden increase in heartbeat; this becomes especially problematic for those living with existing heart conditions like hypertension and arrhythmia as even more stress is placed on the cardiovascular system.
Muscle Tension – Anxiety often causes individuals to tense their muscles unconsciously; this leads to various aches, pains and headaches caused by prolonged periods of muscular contraction due to sustained stress.
Digestive Issues – Stress hormones released during anxious states may interfere with regular digestion leading to nausea, constipation or diarrhoea– all of which may further contribute to feeling unwell overall.
Poor Immunity - The body's natural defense mechanism works less effectively when under constant pressure from anxiety; this makes it difficult for the immune system to fight off potential threats resulting in frequent bouts of illnesses at times.
5 Strange Ways Anxiety Shows Up In Your Body:
Anxiety can manifest in many different ways, and some of the symptoms may surprise you. Here are five strange symptoms of anxiety:
Excessive Sweating – Anxiety causes a heightened sense of fight or flight mode that can lead to excess sweating due to an increase in stress hormones which increase your body temperature.
Shortness of Breath – Feeling anxious causes shallow breathing because it’s more difficult to take deeper breaths in a state of panic. As a result, you may experience breathing difficulties and feel like you have less oxygen than usual.
Increased Urination – Anxiety increases adrenaline which can cause problems with bladder control leading to frequent trips to the bathroom!
Ringing in Ears - The intense emotions experienced during times of anxiety may cause sudden ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus; this is caused by increased blood flow rushing through the auditory canal and may linger for some time after the feeling subsides.
Dizziness - Stress hormones constrict blood vessels which reduces blood flow and makes it difficult for oxygen-rich blood to reach our brains; this can cause feelings of dizziness and bouts of feeling lightheaded due to lack of oxygen supply. Being aware of these lesser known effects associated with anxiety is key for recognizing its onset early on; if any of the above start occurring on a regular basis, knowing why they’re happening will go a long way in helping you manage them more effectively!
How to Manage Anxiety Symptoms:
Managing physical symptoms of anxiety can be a difficult but important task. Here are some tips to help:
Exercise - Regular exercise releases endorphins, which can reduce stress and help regulate your mood. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day; this could be going for a walk, doing some yoga or even just dancing around the living room!
Eat Well – Eating an unbalanced diet filled with processed sugars and unhealthy fats can lead to further drops in energy levels– so make sure to keep your meals balanced with plenty of fruits, veggies and proteins for lasting energy throughout the day.
Get Enough Sleep – Sleep deprivation is one of the common triggers for anxiety so try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule to ensure you are getting the rest your body needs on a daily basis. Avoid screens at night as blue light from devices can interfere with our natural circadian rhythms leading to difficulty falling asleep at night.
Talk To Someone - Whether it’s with a friend, family member or professional therapist, talking through any issues you may be facing will help you get them out in the open and work towards solutions that are best suited for your individual circumstances.
Manage Stress Levels – Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness or visualization can also be incredibly helpful when it comes to reducing anxiety levels; use these practice frequently so that they become second nature when feeling anxious!
Where to get Help!
If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, it's important to remember that there are many resources available to help. Here are some places you can turn to for help:
Mental Health Professionals - You can speak with a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or therapist who will be able to assess your situation and provide tailored advice on managing your symptoms.
Online Resources - There are lots of online resources available such as self-help books, forums, and support groups that may be useful depending on the severity of your anxiety.
Support Groups - Joining a local support group can also be helpful; many people find comfort in knowing they’re not facing their issues alone and can work together towards finding solutions.
Meditation & Relaxation Strategies – Regular mindfulness practice and relaxation techniques have been proven to reduce levels of stress and anxiety; consider integrating these activities into your daily routine for best results!
Lifestyle Changes – Making simple lifestyle changes such as getting better sleep hygiene, eating well, exercising regularly, and reducing screen-time can all contribute towards managing anxiety in the long run.
No matter what your unique situation is, it’s important to remember that anxiety can be managed with the right tools and mindset. Reach out for help when you need it, and ensure that you are taking care of your mental health on a daily basis. With the right support and resources, you can take back control of your life from anxiety and find peace in yourself again.
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