Everyone wants to know how to reduce anxiety quickly. Some anxiety is good for you and activates the fight or flight response to keep you from harm, but chronic stress leads to physical and mental problems.

How to Reduce Anxiety Quickly

The following is a list of how to reduce anxiety quickly, in as little as five minutes.

Go for a walk.

When you feel stressed, Christian Anxiety Counselors believe that taking a ten-minute break and walk. Walking releases endorphins that make you happy and give you a sense of well-being.

You can walk around the neighborhood, your company’s parking lot, or in the comfort of your own home.

Watch a comedy.

The act of laughing releases dopamine and serotonin, brain chemical neurotransmitters that boost your mood, relieve pain, and smooth tense muscles. Your muscles relax after a bout of hearty laughing. Watch those funny reruns, new television shows, comedy movies, and short videos until your heart’s content. Laughter is a quick tonic.

Get to cleaning.

The repetitive motion of cleaning can help reduce your anxiety. When we clean, the mind treats this as stress relief. The body can treat cleaning like exercise, releasing endorphins to make us feel better. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and washing dishes are activities you can consider as stress management techniques. For example, while on an important call, walk around and pick things up around a room, straightening as you go. You might find yourself smiling more during the call.

Drink herbal tea.

The European countries have it right on how to reduce anxiety quickly; they serve tea during break times. In the United States, we do not take tea at specific times, yet afternoon herbal or decaf tea can help decrease stress and allow you to gain your second wind to tackle the rest of your day. Try a hot mug of herbal or decaf tea in the afternoons and evenings to relax your mind and body.

Straighten your desk.

Are you stressed at work? Look at your desk, cubicle, station, or office. Is it messy or unorganized? Can you see the dirt or dust? Spend a few minutes cleaning, decluttering, and organizing your workspace.

The anxiety you feel, in part, may be due to your surroundings. After you clear your workspace, consider adding something lively, like family pictures, artwork, or a plant.

Read for ten minutes.

Have you ever gotten so involved in a novel or story that you forgot where you were or what time it was? Did you stay up late trying to finish it? Reading acts as escapism when you cannot physically leave. When was the last time you read for fun? Reading lowers your heart rate, eases muscle tension, and allows you a much-needed break.

Try bringing a book (eBook on your phone, audiobook, or print) when you leave home. Take ten-minute reading breaks or read during lunch to break up your day. Even reading a book on how to reduce anxiety will work if you can immerse yourself.

Find a counselor to help with anxiety.

Are you looking for more tips on how to reduce anxiety? A counselor in San Diego can help you with anxiety therapy. Contact San Diego Christian Counseling today to set up a session with a counselor on your schedule. We would love to help you overcome chronic anxiety and get back to feeling more like yourself. Call us today.

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