At some point, it may become apparent that managing anxiety is beyond our own capabilities, and the problem needs further help. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for people struggling with anxiety. Professional help can provide support and strategies to manage anxiety more effectively, as well as provide insight into the root cause of the condition.
Contact Northpoint Seattle today at 888.483.6031 or online for information about our anxiety treatment program, and try these fun, mood-boosting outdoor activities to calm your anxiety.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety can be an overwhelming and debilitating experience. It is a normal reaction to stress, but when it becomes excessive and persistent, it can interfere with daily functioning.
Symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Feeling restless, wound-up, or on edge
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feeling tired but unable to rest
- Easily startled or easily irritated
- Having a hard time falling or staying asleep
- Experiencing physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating, trembling, and/or a racing heart
- Having difficulty controlling worry or fear
- Avoiding activities, places, or situations that make them anxious
- Feeling like danger is always present
- Self-medicating symptoms with drugs or alcohol potentially leading to addiction and other serious consequences
Anxiety is a normal emotion experienced by everyone. Still, when it becomes too intense or occurs in response to situations that do not usually cause distress, it can become a problem. Fortunately, there are many ways to self-soothe and manage anxiety symptoms.
Outdoor Activities to Calm Anxiety
Anxiety can be overwhelming and all-consuming. It can make us feel stuck, helpless, and isolated. But there are ways to find relief that don’t involve medication or therapy. Get out of the house and try some of these outdoor activities to calm your anxiety:
- Go for a walk – Walking in nature can help reduce anxiety and stress levels. Take a scenic route with paths winding through parks or forests, quiet neighborhoods, or along the beach. Not only is it calming to be surrounded by nature, but physical exercise helps counteract symptoms of anxiety as well.
- Do some yoga – Yoga combines physical activity with deep breathing exercises and meditation, making it a powerful tool for calming anxiety. You can practice yoga outdoors in a park or on your lawn to get the benefits of nature as well.
- Spend time gardening – Gardening is an excellent way to connect with nature while also providing physical activity and mental stimulation. Planting flowers or vegetables will help you feel productive and creative while tending to your garden can be incredibly calming and therapeutic.
- Go birdwatching – Taking a break from life’s stressors to observe nature can be hugely beneficial for mental health. Pay attention to the birds around you and tune into their songs, colors, and behaviors – it might even help you relax enough to feel like part of the natural environment surrounding you.
- Take a bike ride – Biking helps reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins and serotonin, two hormones that are associated with relaxation. If you have access to trails or a beachfront path, use the time to take in your surroundings as you pedal away from anxiety-inducing thoughts.
If outdoor activities seem too overwhelming or inaccessible, you can also find calm in your own backyard. Take a few moments to appreciate the beauty of nature and take deep breaths, or even just sit in silence and soak it all in.
If your anxiety symptoms are becoming too much, even with trying all kinds of activities to manage them on your own, reach out for help. There are resources, therapies, medications, and support groups specifically for helping individuals overcome their anxiety.
The Benefits of Getting Professional Help for Anxiety
One of the primary benefits of professional help is that it provides individualized treatment and tailored strategies to best suit your needs. A mental health professional can assess the severity of your anxiety, as well as identify any underlying issues or triggers that may be causing it. This allows a much more detailed approach to managing anxiety than attempting self-care alone.
In addition to addressing the root cause of anxiety, professional help can also provide more effective and long-term support. A mental health professional will be able to identify any cognitive distortions in your thinking that are contributing to your condition, as well as teach you techniques and coping strategies to reduce symptoms. The combination of these two approaches can create a powerful platform for managing anxiety and preventing it from coming back.
Finally, professional help can also offer invaluable support and understanding throughout the treatment process. This is especially important for those who struggle to talk about their feelings and emotions or who feel overwhelmed by anxiety regularly. A mental health professional will be able to provide guidance, reassurance, and empathy during this challenging time.
Find Help for Anxiety in Washington at Northpoint Seattle
If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek help. Northpoint Seattle can provide the individualized care and support needed to manage your condition and gain insight into the root cause. With the right help, you can gain control of your mental health and start living a more fulfilling life. Call 888.483.6031 or reach out to us online today.