Here are 9 ways, we can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety is the most common form of mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million people.

Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors.? Genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.

Almost half of everyone suffering from anxiety doesn’t seek treatment.

Worldwide, over 264 million people have suffered from depression.

Women are twice as likely as men to have depression, and kids from 12 to 17 have the highest rates of depression on the planet.

These statistics break my heart and offer me daily motivation to spread joy and positivity into the world.

I am not the expert on depression and don’t claim to have all the answers.? However, I do my best to offer people words of encouragement and actionable ideas that can help elevate happiness and life satisfaction.

For anyone struggling with anxiety and depression.

Here are 9 ways, we can help ourselves alleviate the symptoms of anxiety:

“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” —Charles Spurgeon

Mindful

It’s easy to tumble into a perpetual state of worry and feeling down. This negative thought pattern reaffirms all the bad stuff that preoccupies our mind.? Mindfulness allows us to leverage our senses to engage in the present moment.? We shift our thoughts to something more positive and challenge the negativity that is inundating our brain.?

Music

Music is a beautiful tool for taking our mind to a better place.? Listen to upbeat, positive music that stimulates favorable brain chemistry. Music has been proven to lower stress and alleviate symptoms of depression.

Pets

Animals have a remarkable way of making us smile.? Nursing homes that have resident pets provide a mental retreat for seniors that often struggle with loneliness and depression.? When pets show us the power of affection and snuggle up by our side, it’s therapeutic.? The power of touch helps lower our cortisol levels and increases the production of Oxytocin.?????

Diet

Proper diet is incredibly helpful for regulating our mood.? Consult with a quality nutritionist and get some guidance on eating better.? Something as simple as adding more Omega 3 Fatty Acids to our diet can help control inflammation and lower depression.?

Self-talk

People suffering from anxiety and depression often engage in a negative conversation with themselves.? Catastrophic thinking and rumination become common discourse.? We need to pay attention to this internal conversation and move in a more positive direction.? Learn to speak to ourselves with love and compassion.?

“Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important.” —Natalie Goldberg

Health

The single most important weapon in our efforts to regulate anxiety is daily exercise.? The effects are well documented, and the benefits are remarkable.? Exercise releases endorphins, which improves our mood and strengthens our immune system.? Whatever you enjoy doing that encourages movement, do it.

Sunshine

The benefits of sunlight are known to help people that live in places where sunlight is less plentiful.? Red light has been found to improve sleep and melatonin levels.? The power of light is incredible and should be a part of every health regiment.??

Write

The power of writing is helpful for people wrestling with anxiety.? I write every day and the benefits are amazing.? Get into the habit of journaling and focus on expressing gratitude.? It’s a great tool for training our mind to think more positively.??

Connect

Connecting with family and friends is a great way to work through our struggles.? Trusted advice and positive support are needed when we feel down.? Don’t be afraid to reach out and be transparent with trusted friends.? We all need a helping hand sometimes.? Don’t be afraid to ask for support.

Never quit

Nobody wants to be told; “pull yourself out of it”.? When we feel sad, depressed, or anxious we need loving council.? That includes learning to be your biggest advocate.? When we learn to cultivate a never surrender attitude, we confront challenges head on.? The desire to isolate and withdraw are common.? Fight that urge!? ?

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” —Epictetus

Sum it up.

Any other suggestions for rising above sadness? ?Share your thoughts in the comments section and please like and share this article. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.?? Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming.? Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success.? Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn.? Learn more about my work and grab the free Weatherology mobile app by clicking any picture in this article!