Learn How To Manage Anxiety with Biblical and Practical Help

Severe anxiety can lead to physical and mental symptoms that can interfere with your daily life. The Bible speaks of our worries and anxious hearts, yet coping with these emotions is challenging. You can learn how to manage anxiety effectively.

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? – Matthew 6:27, NIV

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. – Psalms 139:23, NIV

How to Manage Anxiety

Wondering how to manage anxiety despite responsibilities and life stress? We tend to put others’ needs ahead of our own when life gets busy, yet it is impossible to maintain physical, emotional, and mental health if we do not make it a priority in our lifestyle.

Make small changes daily to reach your goals. Each lifestyle change will become a habit if you give yourself grace and practice a few at a time. Allow a new habit to form at least a month before adding more or expanding. For example, work out three days a week for a month before moving to four days, or stop drinking alcohol for a month before cutting back on caffeine.

Walk More and Strength Train

Exercise is nature’s remedy for anxiety and a host of other ailments. Exerting your body causes the heart to pump much-needed oxygen to every cell. This, in turn, causes the brain to release endorphins, helping you to relax, maintain a sense of calm, and feel good.

Go Fishing (or Another Peaceful Activity)

Engaging in a hobby reduces stress and anxiety. It also gives you something to look forward to and distracts your mind from problems. If you know you get to go fishing for a few hours on Saturday morning, you may find that you can get through the work week a little easier. Choose a hobby you once loved or try something completely new.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Avoiding vices is a pivotal step in managing anxiety. These substances can change the levels of chemicals in the brain, resulting in heightened anxiety and stress. Begin a step-down program to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and overconsuming caffeine.

Socialize with Friends

Socializing with friends makes it easier to manage anxiety. Being around other people and feeling accepted triggers the release of endorphins similar to what you experience with exercise. Plus, confiding worries in a trusted friend helps to share the burden and lighten your load.

Practice Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Sometimes, anxiety makes it difficult to think or even breathe. Practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help center you back into the present and gain control over your emotions and your body’s reaction to stress.

Try inhaling through your nose for the count of four, holding your breath while you count to seven, and then exhaling slowly to the count of eight. You can find relaxation techniques online, including progressive muscle relaxation, which teaches you to tense and release individual muscle groups one at a time.

Find a Counselor for Anxiety

If you want to learn more about how to manage anxiety, call or complete our online form to speak to a representative. We will connect you with a counselor for an assessment. You can overcome anxiety with more lifestyle tweaks and psychological methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Contact us today.