Stress can be a normal part of life but anxiety stress symptoms can become so severe they interfere with your ability to live a normal life. In normal quantities, stress can help to keep us on our toes. It helps us to meet deadlines and gives us the rush of adrenaline necessary to deal with a crisis. The problem arises when we begin to develop the symptoms of anxiety and stress frequently. Over time, chronic stress symptoms can result in a multitude of health issues. Therefore, it is important to learn how to stop these symptoms and develop coping strategies.

Some anxiety stress symptoms include:

• Lethargy-a lack of energy; always feeling tired
• Dizziness and poor balance; feeling unstable on your feet
• Poor concentration; difficulty making decisions
• Poor perceptions; trouble reading and visual or auditory distortions
• Severe mood swings
• Poor memory
• Headaches

When these symptoms are not addressed, other health conditions can develop. In some situations the individual experiencing the symptoms may even begin to avoid certain situations in an effort to avoid the symptoms. This type of avoidance behavior is one of the first steps toward more serious disorders including agoraphobia.

It is possible to begin to reduce anxiety stress symptoms by focusing on maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Some things you can do to manage stress and anxiety include:

Exercising regularly-This has proven to be very effective at treating anxiety as well as stress. Excellent activities include yoga and aerobic; both of which are calming.

Eating a healthy diet-Be sure you are eating a healthy and well balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables.

Get enough sleep-When you do not get enough sleep, this can make anxiety even worse. Make sure you are on a regular sleep routine. Go to bed at the same time each night and make an effort to get up at the same time each day. Be sure to get eight hours of sleep to combat stress and anxiety.

Meditate-Several types of meditation can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress.

Relaxation Techniques-Techniques such as deep breathing and visualization have both proven to be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress.

Eliminating caffeine-studies have shown that caffeine only works to exacerbate anxiety and stress. Stop drinking or at least cut back on caffeinate beverages such as tea, coffee and soda. Excess caffeine can lead to insomnia and has even been known to provoke panic attacks.

Avoid alcohol and drugs-avoid the temptation to use such substances as a way of coping with anxiety and stress. Such substances only make these problems worse and will eventually develop further problems.

Develop a support network-make a strong effort to develop a network of people who support you emotionally. Individuals who have support from family and friends are less vulnerable to stress and anxiety.

By taking the time to follow the healthy guidelines above, you can begin to get your life back and recover from anxiety stress symptoms.

While anxiety and depression symptoms can be difficult to cope with, it is important to understand there are steps you can take in order to alleviate many of those symptoms.   If you suffer from anxiety and depression together you should always make sure you are working with a health professional, but keep in mind that self-help can also assist you in taking charge of your own recovery and treatment process.  One of the most difficult aspects of coping with anxiety, especially if it exists along with depression, is dealing with it alone. Far too frequently, individuals suffering from anxiety and depression feel alone; as if no one really understands what they are going through.  

Support 

Seeking self-help groups can help you to overcome at least that one problem. Support groups, consisting of people with similar needs, can help you to examine your symptoms as well as the triggers and learn how to develop coping skills. These groups generally operate on a completely voluntary basis and are also anonymous and confidential. If you suffer from a particular type of anxiety that makes it difficult for you to meet in public, or leave your home, consider participating in an online support group.  

Diet 

Diet and nutrition can also play a critical role in relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, studies have shown that simply adjusting your diet and nutrition can go a long way toward promoting recovery.  One study even demonstrated that eliminating wheat and dairy products could help to reduce the severity of symptoms in many people suffering from depression related disorders. Be sure you are eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables as well as vitamins.  

Exercise 

Exercise can also be helpful in coping with anxiety and depression symptoms. Not only does it help you to feel physically better but when engaging in a regular exercise routine you will likely find that your depression and anxiety symptoms lessen as well.  

Expressive Therapy 

Others have found tremendous help from expressive therapies such as art therapy or dance therapy. Art therapy, in particular, is helpful in assisting individuals in dealing with inner conflicts as well as fostering a self-awareness.  Music therapy has also been found to be beneficial. It’s no coincidence that many people treat their panic and anxiety symptoms by listening to soothing music. Research has suggested that music works to stimulate our body’s chemicals that help us to feel good. The stimulation of such endorphins then improves the pulse rate, blood pressure, blood flow, breathing and posture.  

Yoga 

Others have found yoga and meditation to be helpful. These breathing exercises, posture and stretches can help to restore and balance the energy centers of the body.  

Alternative Therapies 

Other treatment methods that have proven to be helpful include biofeedback, guided imagery and massage therapy. Biofeedback works to help you learn how to control muscle tension and even body functioning that is considered to be involuntary such as the heart rate. With this type of treatment you can learn how to control you breathing habits when feeling anxious to promote relaxation.  Guided imagery involves going into a state of deep relaxation and summoning a mental image of complete wellness and recovery. This method is especially helpful in treating depression.  

Massage therapy has long been used to treat stress and depression by releasing pent up emotions and tension.  While treatment methods vary in effectiveness from one individual to the next, it is important to begin investigating ways in which you can take charge of your own recovery. Taking control in your recovery process is the first step to alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms.