Anxiety, stress and insomnia – what do to about it?

From thefrisky.com

Stress, anxiety, and insomnia are quite common today. 70% of adults in the United States claim that they feel stressed or anxious on a daily basis. However, that’s not something you should just accept and get used to. There are ways for you to help yourself feel better, calmer and more in control.
Exercise regularly. Exercise is a very effective way to combat stress, anxiety, and insomnia. On the long run, exercise lowers the body’s stress hormones and helps release endorphins – the natural painkillers that also improve your mood. Exercise has best effects when is performed regularly.
You can also try exercising an hour or so before bed in case you have trouble with falling asleep.

Jogging or walking involve repetitive movements that are particularly stress relieving. Exercise also keeps your level of confidence on a higher level. So, next time instead of sitting in front of a screen watching your favourite show before bed, go outside for a quick run or a walk or do yoga.
Listening to music, meditation or a good massage can be very effective for releasing tension and clearing your head. Distance yourself from the rest of the world for a minute and enjoy your favourite activity.
Sometimes a candle, essential oils or even a blanket specially designed for combating stress can be helpful. When it comes to candles and essential oils, lavender, rose, bergamot, vetiver, roman chamomile and geranium have been named as some of the most calming scents.
You could also try YnM weighted blankets. They claim that the blanket will keep you cosy and warm during the night while providing physical ease and giving a boost to your serotonin levels in the brain helping you alleviate stress. The pressure is distributed evenly on your entire body and provides therapeutic help which is particularly useful for people suffering from anxiety, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and aches or pains.
Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks, and high doses can increase your anxiety and make it harder for you to fall asleep. It is recommended that your last coffee should be around 3 pm and not later since it can severely affect your sleep. Alcohol helps you fall asleep faster, but the quality of the sleep is drastically decreased causing you to wake up tired.

                                                                       Source: Irish News

A good way to handle insomnia and stress is writing a journal. Write down everything that stresses you and your daily habits. Keep track of the changes you’re making in your daily schedule and whether they are helping you sleep better and stay more relaxed or just making things worse.
Also, by focusing on positive things while keeping a journal, you can help yourself relieve stress and anxiety.
Spend more time with your friends and family. It gives you a feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself, and that can help you in tough times. Good friends and family can keep you smiling and avert your attention from the daily stress.
Find someone to share hugs and kisses with. Positive physical contact increases your oxytocin levels, lowers your blood pressure and heart rate helping you get rid of the stress.
You can share that love with your pet as well. They provide companionship, give you a purpose and help you stay in a better mood. What’s better than having someone doing the happy dance and licking your face every time you get home or wake up? Walks with your pet and playing fetch are also very relaxing, fun and healthy!

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