15 unexpected factors that can trigger anxiety

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Coffee, medicine or daily habits - check what is subtly affecting your well-being.

1. You drink too much coffee

In large quantities, caffeine produces sensations very similar to those experienced with anxiety disorder. If you often experience anxiety and tension, you may need to reconsider your consumption of caffeinated beverages. If you drink several cups of coffee a day, try giving up at least one and keep track of your condition.

2. You often read the news

If you receive push notifications about “important” news 24 hours a day, it's no wonder you're stressed. Most urgent news reports are related to incidents, scandals and problems, and this can seriously affect mood and mental well-being. Turn off notifications, unsubscribe from newsletters, and turn on your TV less often. Life will become calmer.

3. You have a hangover

Headache and nausea are not the only consequences of heavy drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption can trigger anxiety. In addition, alcohol interferes with sleep, and lack of sleep also increases anxiety levels.

4. You are being treated for a cough or runny nose

If you have a cold and are taking medication, don't be surprised to feel more anxious. Scientists have suggested that cough suppressants that contain the substance dextromethorphan, and even ordinary paracetamol, can cause anxiety.

So far, these assumptions have been confirmed only in studies with rats. However, if you are being treated with these drugs and you are overcome with anxiety, it is possible that it will pass along with a cold, as soon as you stop taking the pills.

5. You don't drink enough water

Even mild dehydration can negatively affect your mood. In one science experiment, participants who typically drank little water throughout the day felt better when they increased the amount. Conversely, participants who decreased their water intake reported that they experienced less positive emotions and calmness.

6. You are hungry

You may have felt that hunger makes you irritable and angry, but it can also cause feelings of anxiety. It is noteworthy that during times of stress, many cannot eat, but low blood sugar levels only make the situation worse. So when you're nervous, eat something better.

7. You are eating an unbalanced diet

Lack of nutrients, especially the B vitamins, can be spooky. These vitamins are found in fish, meat, liver, eggs, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and legumes. Try to add more of these foods to your diet. If you have abruptly given up many of them, for example, switched to a vegetarian diet, then you too may experience anxiety and irritability.

8. You spend too much time in front of the screen

Studies have shown that the longer teens stare at screens, the more severe their anxiety symptoms become. And adults who spend more than 6 hours a day in front of a computer and TV have a higher risk of depression. Try to turn on your TV and phone less often.

9. You are overheated

Heat not only makes us irritable. At a high temperature, breathing and heartbeat also increase, that is, there are sensations similar to those of a panic attack. The body can misinterpret them - and you will feel anxiety. If this happens, take a few deep, soothing breaths and try to cool off.

10. You move a little

Physical activity has a positive effect on mental well-being in general. It also relieves and possibly prevents depression and anxiety. In addition, during sports, endorphins are released, which cause a good mood. Try to move more, especially if you have a sedentary job.

11. You took on too much

Work tasks, household chores, hobbies - all this takes time and effort. If you try to do everything at the same time, stress and anxiety will not keep you waiting. Learn to be more realistic about your capabilities and not take too many obligations.

12. You feel lonely

Being alone with yourself is useful, but communication with people, especially those close to you, is also very important. Without it, we begin to feel isolated from others, and this leads to anxiety and depression. Don't close down if you start to feel anxious. In such a situation, establishing contact, on the contrary, will help.

13. You haven't been out for a long time

Being in nature has a positive effect on the mental state. So try to go for a walk more often, it will energize and improve your mood. Plus, you get your dose of vitamin D, which has the potential to protect against depression.

14. You don't get enough sleep

Lack of sleep harms the entire body, including can cause anxiety. Try to go to bed earlier and sleep 8 hours a day. If you find it difficult to calm your thoughts in the evening, try putting your phone aside an hour before bed and reading a paper book, meditating a little, or writing in a journal to free your head from worries.

15. You are surrounded by a mess

Yes, it can be a source of anxiety too. Research confirms that our environment influences our emotions and well-being. If we are constantly surrounded by clutter, the level of the stress hormone cortisol rises. So get out of the way often to relieve yourself of unnecessary anxiety.