Many people experience anxiety. It’s a normal and healthy emotion. But for some people, it’s more than feeling nervous. If you regularly feel overwhelming levels of anxiety, it might be an anxiety disorder many people suffer from.
The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.”
As a mental health disorder, it hinders you from functioning normally. You may overreact when your emotions are triggered and even lose control of how you respond to certain situations.
Having anxiety is difficult. It’s even harder for people living alone with anxiety. Some studies found a connection between living alone and common mental health disorders.
To help you cope with your anxiety disorder, here are some tips on how to deal with severe anxiety while living alone.
- 1. Identify your triggers
Some triggers are easier to identify and recognize, while others may take time. You can ask for extra support from friends and family for long-term problems that you find tough to work around.
Knowing your triggers can help you understand what to do about them. It’s best to avoid them and limit exposure. If you can’t avoid them, you can try other coping techniques.
Although you may be able to identify triggers independently, working with a therapist can help you. Aside from helping you know your triggers, they can work with you on figuring out the best coping techniques when you’re confronted with an anxiety-inducing situation.
- 2. Meditate routinely
Mindful meditation may take some time to do successfully. But when you do it regularly, you can strengthen your mind to dismiss anxious thoughts when they come up.
A meditation routine can also help your situation. Often, anxiety can happen in moments you can’t control. So, sticking to a routine can remove some of the chaos you’re feeling.
You can find plenty of guided meditations and apps online. If you find it challenging to sit still and concentrate, try other mindfulness activities like yoga or walking meditation. Those kinds of activities can also destress your body and help you manage your anxiety symptoms.
- 3. Maintain relationships
Just because you live alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Having a healthy relationship with family and friends and talking to them regularly can give you a sense of security even if you’re home alone.
They are your support group. Even though not often physically, it’s good to know you have them on your side.
- 4. Socialize
This one might be a little tough if you live alone with social anxiety. But forming connections, aside from maintaining existing relationships, is beneficial to managing anxiety and stress-related feelings.
Having relationships with people around your area allows you to have physical support near you when you can’t be with family and old friends. Go around your area and see if there are community events that you can participate in. Or maybe say high to a neighbor and see where it goes.
- 5. Write in a journal
Writing in a journal daily allows you to process the day. Not only is it a calm activity to wind you down, but it lets you process your thoughts and emotions so you can understand yourself better.
Writing about your anxious experiences also helps you keep track of how they made you feel and what triggers them. With everything written down, you can go back to them and better understand how to deal with them, so you’re better equipped in the future.
- 6. Have a balanced and healthy diet
If you have a less-than-healthy diet, it could take time to change that. But this long-term solution addresses your anxiety and takes care of your body.
Some researches show that some food, nutrients, and supplements can help reduce anxiety. These include:
- Green tea
- Ashwagandha
- Kava kava
- Lemon balm
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Valerian root
- 7. Find a hobby
Living alone with depression and anxiety can hinder you from enjoying even the most minor things. But finding a hobby you enjoy can make you feel comfortable living alone. Plus, it’s a great way to destress and relax.
They can also keep your mind occupied. The more you keep your mind busy with your hobby, the less time you spend away from stressful and anxiety-inducing thoughts.
Good hobbies to take up include:
- Crocheting
- Knitting
- Gardening
- Painting or drawing
- Puzzles
- Scrapbooking
- Learning how to plan an instrument
- 8. Take a break
When things get too overwhelming, sometimes the best thing to do is walk away. It’s okay to step away and recharge– get yourself together again before handling whatever you need to address.
You can take a short walk around your area or meditate to clear your mind.
Having an anxiety disorder doesn’t mean you can’t live alone. While it may be more difficult and you’ll need to put in more work, you can still be independent and capable. Just follow the tips for living alone with anxiety, and you’ll be good to go.
Summing It Up
Whatever you’re going through, you can find peace with us. Try TMS for anxiety and start your healing journey with people who have the skills and compassion to help you. You can visit us at 3939 Atlantic Ave Suite 102, Long Beach, CA 90807, United States. You may also contact us at 562-203-0567 or go to our website rootstms.wpengine.com.On your recovery journey, consider CBT therapy and choose Roots TMS. Start your healing journey with people equipped with skill and compassion to help you. You can visit us at 3939 Atlantic Ave Suite 102, Long Beach, CA 90807, United States. You may also contact us at 562-203-0567 or go to our website rootstms.wpengine.com.