DEFINITION – What is Anxiety?
Anxiety refers to the feeling of fear about future events. Many people feel anxious in the event of the first day of a new job, moving, or giving a speech. If your anxious feelings last for more than 6 months, it’s often categorized as an anxiety disorder.
BREAKING DOWN – Anxiety
Anxiety is a completely normal feeling. In times of stress, you might feel anxious about what’s to come. Your heart may begin to race. You might start to breathe faster and more shallowly. You may also have trouble concentrating or falling asleep.
Anxiety only becomes problematic when you feel overwhelmed by it, you experience a panic attack, or you’ve been anxious for over 6 months. This may indicate that an anxiety disorder is at play.
There are various types of anxiety disorders including panic disorders, phobias, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more.
Experts say that anxiety is typically caused by a combination of environmental factors and individual brain chemistry. Frequently, the areas of the brain involved include the ones that handle emotional memory and reaction to fear.
Often, making lifestyle changes or adjustments in your life is enough to decrease and eliminate anxiety. Decreasing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, getting quality sleep and enough sleep, and a healthy and balanced diet are a few examples of ways to reduce feelings of anxiety.
Yet, if your anxiety is severe, an appropriate treatment path may be recommended by your doctor. This may involve medication or therapy to help you find methods to cope.
Massage therapy can further help you relax and decrease your stress or anxiety levels. In particular, a Swedish massage helps promote relaxation and reduces muscle tension throughout the body. At Athlete’s Choice Massage, our team is ready to help you unwind after a stressful week or day. Click BOOK NOW below to schedule your next massage appointment.
