When things are not quite in order in your cognitive system, it can take a toll on anything and everything around you. Anxiety is real and panic attacks can be scary as hell, and can play havoc with your sleep pattern. We decode this dilemma and share some tips to get a restful sleep.
Anxiety feels like your mind playing games with you. Your heart races and you break into a cold sweat. You overthink everything, and the simple process of inhaling air into your lungs and then exhaling becomes a mammoth task. You have trust issues, you only find yourself harping over the worst possible outcomes of situations… Ah! the list goes on.
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Those going through this in their daily lives can vouch for the fact that sometimes (if not always), anxiety can mess with your sleep patterns. iDiva got in touch with R. Alford, senior counselor at 1to1help.in in Bangalore, who shared tips on coping with anxiety.
“It is difficult to manage negative thoughts at times. When you suffer from anxiety and panic, you develop an uncomfortable pattern of frequent worrying. This could be about situations in the past, present or even things that have not occurred yet… Constant overthinking tends to tire out a person, which in turn is sure to affect sleep routines. While it is difficult to control, especially if you’re new to how anxiety works, there are some simple things you can do—or not do—to ensure you get a proper night’s rest,” she said.
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According to Alford, here are four things anyone battling anxiety and overthinking at night should take into consideration. Take note, guys!
1. Stop Constantly Checking Social Media
All the gadgets our generation is so caught up with emit light that keeps our brains awake, so trying to stay away from them an hour before bedtime is a good idea. Checking emails or doing work right before bed can also trigger anxious thoughts and make it difficult to calm your brain. Consider setting an alarm to remind you to shut screens off at an adequate time before bed. Instead, consider listening to music or reading a book to quiet your mind.
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2. Become Mindful About What You Eat
Your gut health impacts your mood and the overall way you feel in a big way! If you’re feeling anxious, disordered eating can be a destructive attempt at coping. Overeating and undereating are both signs of trying to relieve anxiety. If you’re an emotional eater, or someone who tends toward disordered eating or using food as a comfort, it’s important to know that this could lead to health issues.
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3. Learn To Displace A Negative Feeling Or Thought
Research suggests that putting our worries into something tangible can help displace the stress and help clear the mind of negative thoughts. If you’re wondering where to start, try penning down your dark thoughts in a journal, or talk to a friend or relative you’re comfortable with. Acknowledging that there is an issue is the first step towards healing.
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4. Talk It Out
One call to your BFF can fix anything! Just talking out your problems and sharing your fears with someone who you know is genuinely there for you can help uplift your mood in a big way. Never underestimate the power of an inter-friend-tion!
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