You’re not alone if you’ve been struggling to stay positive this year. With so much going on in the world, it’s extremely easy to feel overwhelmed.

If you have found yourself feeling anxious and stressed much more than usual, there are steps you can take to help reduce those tense feelings. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Southcenter highlights how to boost your mental health below.

Why Am I Feeling Anxious?

Sometimes it might be for reasons that we don’t even know or understand, but feeling anxious is normal, and it’s especially normal this year. However, common causes of stress and anxiousness include work stress, family issues, financial stress and, you guessed it, a global pandemic.

When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, your body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These cause the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as an increased heart rate and increased sweating. We’ve listed some other physical symptoms of anxiety below.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

• Breathing faster
• Feeling sick
• Headaches
• Chest pains
• Loss of appetite

How Can I Feel Better?

Successfully dealing with stress and anxiety looks a little different for everyone as everyone’s psyche is different. What typically helps, though, is talking to someone about your feelings.

Even if the trusted family member, partner or friend that you’ve decided to confide in doesn’t totally understand what you’re going through, it helps to voice how you’re feeling inside. Check out the list below for some other proven ways to boost your mental health.

Ways to Feel Less Anxious

• Focus on your breathing. Deep breathing helps you calm down.
• Follow the 3-3-3 rule. Look around you and name three things you see, three sounds you hear and move three parts of your body. This mental trick will help you feel more grounded.
• Do something different than what you’re doing currently. Any action that interrupts your train of thought will help you regain a sense of control.
• Watch or read something funny. Laughing is one of the best medicines for an anxious mind.

AFC Urgent Care Southcenter is passionate about mental health. If you have any questions or are in need of medical attention, don’t hesitate to stop by.