Living with generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, can affect your life in many ways. Individuals who have been diagnosed with GAD may worry throughout the day — every day — about things that haven’t happened yet and may never occur. Often, those feelings can be difficult to overcome, which can be torturous. It may seem like even the simplest daily tasks are too overwhelming to attempt, from showering to driving to the store, and this can cause an individual to refrain from doing the things they want to do in order to prevent those feelings.
Fortunately, there are several treatments and methods you can use to help yourself get through these moments to the other side. Whether you choose to try medication through your doctor or you want to look for ways to handle your anxiety in the moment — such as learning meditation and relaxation techniques — there are many things you can do to feel better. For me, it was a combination of traditional and alternative treatments, as well as a heavy emphasis on physical activity. While there is no “quick fix” for anxiety in any form, there are several ways to help reduce those feelings so you can get back to your life. Just remember: everyone’s solution will be different. Courtesy of Anxiety Mastery, here are a few things to consider when living with GAD.
Consider Alternatives
While many people take prescription medication to help keep their anxiety under control, it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay! Consider the alternatives, such as CBD oil. Derived from the marijuana plant, CBD oil does not contain mind-altering levels of THC, meaning you won’t get “high”; instead, you’ll only feel the benefits, which studies have shown may include reduced anxiety and better sleep. Read up on this alternative treatment to find out whether it’s right for you, and check CBD guides to learn more about the ones available to you.
Get Organized
Getting organized is often helpful for individuals who have anxiety because it creates a sense of order. Knowing what comes next is extremely important when it comes to reducing feelings of anxiety, so it may be helpful to start keeping a detailed calendar or datebook that will allow you to plan out your day. You can also declutter and get organized at home, making sure things are ready for the day the night before you need them. At work, keep your desk tidy, and write down anything important so that it won’t be forgotten.
Learn More About Your Specific Condition
Anxiety can take many forms, and even if you have already been diagnosed with a specific condition like GAD, you may feel other symptoms as well. Because anxiety can change over time, some individuals begin to feel symptoms associated with panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. They may also feel changes in their mood or in their ability to focus. That’s why it’s important to find out more about your specific condition and talk to your doctor about any changes you may feel so you can get the best possible care.
Create a Healthy Routine
One of the best ways to get through feelings of anxiety is to create a healthy routine that works for you. By learning how to reduce stress and deal with those feelings, you can ensure that they don’t get out of control or feel overwhelming. Meditation is a wonderful tool for individuals who are living with anxiety because it’s a calming technique that can be used just about anywhere. Breathing exercises are also helpful. Pair your breathing exercise routine with video tutorials that you can stream from websites like YouTube. You can even stream these videos from your phone and listen to them through your Bluetooth speaker system, which will provide much better audio quality than the speakers found on your phone.
Living with generalized anxiety disorder doesn’t have to be debilitating. There are many ways you can get through those stressful feelings and manage your day at the same time. Talk to your doctor before making any big changes, and keep your needs a priority as much as possible.