The symptoms of anxiety – like rapid heartbeat and excessive worry – can make it very hard to function. You may think you know how to treat your anxiety, but your coping methods may be making you feel worse. It is important to be aware of activities to avoid doing in treating your anxiety to ensure a successful journey to recovery.
Stop Avoiding Things That Make You Anxious
You could be anxious about paying your bills or being out in public. Avoiding those things may help your anxiety temporarily, but will not be helpful in the long run. Putting such activities off indefinitely can increase your debt and leave you feeling isolated – often a cause of anxiety in itself. Avoidance will cause you to lose confidence in facing fears head-on. If you continue to avoid such problems, your anxiety will worsen over time.
Avoid Scrolling Your Phone Before Sleeping
Anxiety can make it hard to fall asleep. It is common to want to scroll through your phone to try to distract yourself from the worries that are keeping you awake. On the contrary, the troubling news articles, tweets and posts you may see on your phone may add to your anxiety and sleeplessness. While looking at social media may quiet your brain a little, it may also make falling asleep harder. Try breaking the scrolling habit by leaving your phone in another room so that you can sleep peacefully with no temptations and no distractions.
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol to Self-Medicate
You may think that getting high or drunk will make you feel better after a stressful day. The truth is that drugs and alcohol can actually cause higher levels of stress and increase physical health problems. While substances can offer you temporary relief, they can lead you to long-term problems that will make you wish you found a healthier coping technique. If your anxiety is taking over your life and bringing you pain, get professional help. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help change your thought patterns. Medication can also help relieve your anxiety symptoms. By getting rid of unhealthy habits that intensify your anxiety, you can leave room to develop more beneficial habits that will keep you calm.
Not all common coping mechanisms enhance recovery. In fact, some can be detrimental to your well-being. Alta Loma Transformational Living’s knowledgeable, compassionate professionals understand the complexities of co-occurring mental health and substance misuse disorders. We can help you develop the skills you need to manage your unique challenges and live a life of long-term recovery. Our all-male program, located just north of Austin in Georgetown, Texas, Alta Loma uses an integrative and holistic approach to attaining emotional and psychological stability. Our team of experts will work with you to create an ideal care plan and secure the support you need, quickly. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, talk to one of our friendly representatives at (866) 457-3843.
