Life is hard. So why invite anything into your day that could bring you stress? Well, unfortunately we don’t always know we’re doing this. In fact, some of the things people seek out to relieve their anxiety (we’re looking at you, wine) might only make it worse. These are the things to avoid if you want to feel calm and relaxed.
YOUR COZY SOFA
You might think returning home to your soft couch at the end of the day will bring you comfort, but it’s actually the problem. According to a recent review published in the journal BMC Public Health, sedentary behaviors may increase your risk of developing anxiety.
YOUR CLOSED WINDOWS
University of Pittsburgh researchers found that when hospital patients were exposed to natural light, they experienced less pain and stress. So instead of covering up sunshine with window treatments or shades, why not nix them altogether?
YOUR LOVING HOUSEMATES
Since conflict and arguments are major stressors, so are the people or animals you live with. But that doesn’t mean these housemates don’t also bring you serious joy at times. Just make sure you make time for yourself to balance everything out.
YOUR LEVELS OF HYDRATION
A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that even mild dehydration can trigger disturbances in mood. And a 2009 study at Tufts University found a link between hydration and mood in student athletes, who reported feeling angry and tense when they didn’t drink enough water. Here’s how to keep your water cold for hours, so it’ll always be appealing to drink.
YOUR OVERFLOWING PILE OF MAIL
If your mail is piling up, there’s a good chance there are a lot of bills in there. According to the APA, 75% of Americans say finances are a significant source of stress in their life. While we know this isn’t a responsibility you can ignore, keep your bill cabinet (or folder) in a dedicated room like an office to keep your mind at peace when possible.
YOUR MESSY CLOSET
According to researchers at UCLA, there’s a link between high cortisol (a stress hormone) and women whose homes have a “high density of household objects.” We’re talking about clutter, like the clothes strewn all over your bedroom. Here’s how you can banish your mess for good.
YOUR JUNK FOOD
Put down the chips. According to the Stress Management Society, what you put in your body has a direct correlation to your anxiety levels. Healthy foods with high vitamin and mineral levels will help relieve stress, while junk food induces it.
YOUR DECORATIVE MIRRORS
According to a report by researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry in London, a study of 50 people revealed that looking in the mirror eventually stressed them out about their appearance. While applying mascara sans mirror isn’t necessary, you might want to avoid these surfaces for decor outside of the bathroom.
YOUR ENTERTAINING TELEVISION
Apparently, excess noise causes excess stress, so your habit of clicking on the TV as soon as you get home isn’t the healthiest. Plus, this habit is distracting and will make it harder for you to get through your daily chores, so your to-do list will grow as a result.
YOUR TENDENCY TO SKIP MEALS
Even though skipping breakfast is far too common in this day and age, not eating enough can cause a drop in the body’s blood sugar levels, which is known to lead to increased feelings of anxiety.
YOUR PATTERN-HAPPY DECOR
Just like clutter can be overwhelming and lead to excessive cortisol, you might want to limit how many patterns you mix and match in your home too. Skip the polka dots and stripes and go with solids to create a calming environment that won’t rev up your anxiety.
YOUR HOMEWORK
Bringing work home might seem like a great compromise, but the Health and Safety Executive found that doing this has a negative effect on your home life and causes stress. Unfortunately, this means there might be some hard choices for you in your future.
YOUR UNMADE BED
Even though leaving the bed unmade is an easy way to gain five minutes in the morning, tucking in your sheets every day will help you sleep better. And we all know being tired is a huge stressor, so it’s basically a win-win when it comes to your anxiety management.
YOUR NIGHTCAP
A glass of wine might sound like a relaxing way to unwind, but it’s a stimulant that can lead to panic attacks. Not to mention, alcohol can have a disruptive effect on your body’s central nervous system, which in turn, can limit your brain’s ability to calm yourself down. Yikes.
YOUR NIGHTCAP
A glass of wine might sound like a relaxing way to unwind, but it’s a stimulant that can lead to panic attacks. Not to mention, alcohol can have a disruptive effect on your body’s central nervous system, which in turn, can limit your brain’s ability to calm yourself down. Yikes.
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