11 Habits That Make Your Anxiety Worse
It's no secret that anxiety is a terrible thing. It can make people feel like they are walking on eggshells, or it can be the cause of sleepless nights where you're left with racing thoughts and an uneasy stomach. The worst part? Anxiety is not something anyone wants to talk about - but it doesn't mean we should ignore its presence in our lives! Here are 11 habits that might be making your anxiety worse:
1. Irregular sleep patterns
Irregular sleep patterns can cause a lot of stress, not just for anxiety sufferers but for anyone who has to go into the world feeling energized. It's important that you try your best to stick with a regular bedtime and wake-up time so that you're rested when it comes down to work or school.
2. Too much social media
Constant scrolling through a feed of other people's lives can bring on feelings of inadequacy, or worse lead to comparing your own life with someone else's. If you're experiencing these types of thoughts, it might be time for self-care and taking some time off.
3. Repressing your anxiety
It's important to be honest with yourself so you can get the help that you need. We all feel anxiety, but it should never dominate our lives or prevent us from living as we want to live. Talk about your feelings instead of keeping them bottled up.
4. Reading too much negative news
If you're constantly bombarded with negative news, either in the form of a TV show or even on your social media feeds, it can lead to more anxiety. Instead, try reading about success stories and inspirational quotes that will make you feel better. Anxiety is hard enough as it is without making things worse by filling our minds.
5. Stress & conflict
If you constantly have to put up with too much stress and conflict, then there's no surprise your anxiety levels are high. It might help if you find ways to manage the amount of stress that goes along with your everyday life and take time for yourself when needed.
6. Caffeine
Caffeine has shown to increase anxiety in anxious people. Those who have anxiety disorders should avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages.
7. Skipping meals
The best thing you can do is to eat a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Skipping meals might make your anxiety worse because it's hard for the body to function properly when not fed with enough nutrients.
8. Alcohol, smoking, and drugs
The physical damage it causes to your body is just one reason why you might want to consider stopping or at least approach drug and alcohol with caution. They can make you tense, high anxiety, paranoid even!
9. Eating too much sugar
Sugar can lead to your blood sugar levels skyrocketing, which might make you feel worse. Sugar has been linked with an increase in some people's levels of anxiety.
10. Overworking
Overworking your body can have harmful effects on your emotional and physical health. Make sure to give yourself time to rest once in a while so that both of these aspects are looked after properly.
11. Isolating yourself
It can be difficult to stay in touch with family and friends when you're feeling anxious. But it's important to have at least some form of contact so that your loved ones know what is happening in your life and they are there for you. Isolating yourself can deteriorate your mental health and can increase anxiety.
Be mindful of how these things can influence your anxiety. It's important to know what makes you anxious and what will help it or worsen the situation. Try avoiding these habits if you notice them making you anxious.