How your lifestyle can affect your anxiety levels

Many people have trouble managing anxiety, yet most are unaware that some of their actions could be causal factors.

Here are a number of lifestyle choices that might be having an adverse effect on your levels of anxiety.

1. You’re drinking too much coffee

Highly caffeinated drinks such as coffee have been linked to increased anxiety. Instead of your morning cup of coffee, try a green tea as a substitute.

2. Your job is causing you to be inactive

Having an active lifestyle can help reduce anxiety and stress. Exercise doesn’t need to be a chore – you could start yoga or even go for a walk in the sunshine. This will do wonders for your well-being.

3. You don’t sleep enough

Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked with depression and anxiety. Recovery is as important as exercising, so try to find the right balance. Aim for between seven and nine hours sleep each night.

4. You’re drinking too much alcohol

After a stressful day it’s common for adults to unwind with a nice alcoholic beverage. While one cold beer on a summer’s evening is a nice way to relax, too much can increase your anxiety. Try looking for other ways to relax – it will help both your anxiety and your wallet!

5. You haven’t made connections at work

Having a strong network of friends not only in your personal life, but at work too, can have a real positive effect on your mood and your anxiety levels. We spend an average of eight hours a day with our colleagues in the week, so why not make the most of it?

6. You’re not making time for fun

Don’t feel bad when you're feeling good. Make yourself the priority by indulging in activities you enjoy. Try to relax in your time away from work to truly help manage your anxious feelings.

If you would like to find out how a life coach can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, take a look at our health fact sheet.

Read and comment on the original MindBodyGreen article.