Anxiety affects your body as well as your mind. In addition to worrying and feeling
nervous, you may experience changes in your immune function, circulatory system, and other areas. Anxiety may also be caused by physical conditions and may increase your risk for certain disorders.
It’s an important issue, because anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting an estimated 40 million adults each year. It can take many different forms, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or phobias.
Whatever the cause, anxiety usually responds well to medical treatment and lifestyle modifications. If you or someone you know is being treated for anxiety, consider these physical changes that you may want to address.
Managing the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, that prepare you for fight or flight. Since such physical responses are rarely required in modern life, those chemicals now wind up interfering with natural body functions.
While you can’t eliminate stress, you can use strategies for dealing with it more constructively.
Try these ideas to relieve anxiety:
- Breathe deeply. When you’re tense, your breathing tends to become rapid and shallow. Remind yourself to slow down and breathe from your abdomen instead of your chest. You’ll feel calmer and increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your brain and other organs.
- Avoid infections. Anxiety may hamper your immune system. Take extra
precautions against catching colds and other bugs. Wash your hands and keep
them away from your face. - Dress in layers. Blood vessels sometimes constrict as the result of chronic
stress, making it more difficult to regulate your body temperature. Keep a
sweater or wrap handy if you’re prone to sweats and chills. - Eat well. Anxiety has a major impact on your digestion. You may overeat or lose your appetite. You may experience irritable bowel syndrome or stomach churning. Plan out your meals and snacks to give your body the nutrients and calories it needs.
- Limit caffeine. Does coffee give you the jitters? Try cutting back on caffeine
to see if you feel more at ease. You may want to avoid coffee completely or
limit yourself to one cup a day. - Exercise regularly. Physical activity is one of the most effective and
constructive methods for dealing with stress. Find a variety of activities that
you enjoy. Invite a friend or family member to work out with you so you’ll have more fun and increase your chances of being consistent. - Rest and relax. Anxiety often interferes with sleep, so remove any obstacle you
can. Go to bed at the same time each night and keep your bedroom dark and quiet. Relax during the day with meditation, instrumental music, or a warm bath.
Identifying the Physical Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety disorders usually develop in childhood or early adulthood. You may want to see your doctor if you begin to have excessive anxiety later in life, so you can rule out physical causes.
These are some of the issues to look for:
- Overactive or underactive thyroid. Overactive and underactive thyroids are among the most common physical causes of anxiety. Your doctor can perform simple tests to help you receive appropriate treatment.
- Issues in the brain. Brain tumors are rare, but they can cause psychological changes. An early diagnosis increases your chances of recovery.
- Chronic conditions. Struggling with a chronic condition can make you more vulnerable to anxiety. Let your physician and loved ones know if you need extra help.
Understanding the physical effects of anxiety can help you heal your mind and body. Talk with your doctor about your individual concerns and learn to manage stress so you can enjoy greater physical comfort and peace of mind.