If you’re someone who struggles with mental health, then you may wonder what coping skills exist to help with symptom management. Finding the right coping skills is essential to benefit your mental health.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Only clinicians can diagnose generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is common. Compared to other types of anxiety disorders that may involve acute worry, those with GAD tend to have more areas of worry. These areas of worry can change and are not always constant.
GAD is typically fairly simple to diagnose. Clinicians will typically have the individual fill out some evaluations and provide them with a synopsis of their mental health history. Some research suggests that GAD may have a genetic link, so it’s vital that professionals know if there’s a family history of anxiety.
Therapy and medication can be extremely helpful ways to manage mental health symptoms. Coping skills are another tool you can add to your skillset to help you when you’re struggling. Let’s discuss a coping skill that many people find to be extremely effective when dealing with generalized anxiety disorder.
All About Yoga
Yoga is a form of movement that many people find relaxing. People practice yoga both in their homes and in dedicated studios, but also in nature. If you enjoy hiking or being outdoors, consider finding some yoga poses you can do in nature. This is a great way to implement mental health coping skills in an environment that you love.
There are various forms of yoga that place an emphasis on different movements. Some forms of yoga hold poses for longer, while others focus on restoration. If you’re new to yoga, consider finding a gentle class that will be a great introduction to this form of exercise.
Yoga focuses on inner peace and mindfulness. Many yoga classes end with meditation and focus on mindful breathing throughout the class. This is an excellent skill to build so that you can practice mindful breathing during moments of high anxiety.
It’s important to remember that yoga should be done in a safe way. If you’re pregnant or injured, it may be best to find another form of exercise that will suit you better. Although yoga can be healing, consider consulting with a professional about poses that might work well for you. Becoming a yoga instructor is extensive, so going to a class in a studio is an excellent way to make sure that you’re doing the yoga poses correctly.
The Mind-Body Connection
Now more than ever, many clinicians are subscribing to the mind-body connection. The belief that mental and physical health are connected is comprehensive and allows professionals to treat the entire person.
Many people find that exercise is an incredibly effective way to manage their mental health symptoms. Exercise can create certain chemicals in the brain that help relieve stress and manage emotions. If you’ve ever felt better after taking a walk or going for a swim, this may be why.
Thinking about the connection between the mind and the body can be significant when discussing GAD. Because anxiety can produce a feeling of restlessness and heightened energy, exercise is often an effective way to organize thoughts and feel calmer.
Yoga and Mental Health
It is common for yoga to be recommended for those that are struggling with mental health. Specifically for those with anxiety, yoga can be an excellent way to focus on the moment and practice breathing.
Yoga is an exceptional way to regulate the nervous system. During moments of high anxiety, the nervous system can become dysregulated, and finding ways to calm the brain can be challenging.
Yoga may be an excellent choice for you if you experience high levels of energy as a result of anxiety. Yoga can be an excellent addition to your nighttime routine if you often feel anxious at night. This can be a great way to end the day and take some time to focus on your mental health.
Yoga is good for physical health, which can be important for those with anxiety. Chronic stress levels can negatively impact various bodily systems, so yoga is a great way to ensure that you’re taking care of yourself and investing in your wellness. Finding time for what you enjoy is essential, especially when you’re struggling with anxiety symptoms.
Having anxiety can make it difficult to find balance. The good news is that yoga is an excellent way to restore balance in your life and ensure that you’re focusing on what truly matters to you. As was previously mentioned, not all anxiety is bad. This means that it’s critical to find a balance between healthy worry and overwhelming thoughts. Seeking treatment from a professional facility along with holistic practices like yoga can help.
Yoga can be an incredible way to lessen generalized anxiety symptoms. Finding the types of exercise that work well for you is important so you can incorporate them into your routine. Generalized anxiety disorder can look different depending on the individual. If you feel that your anxiety impacts your daily life and is not manageable, consider reaching out. Here at Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention, we provide clients with mental health support and education. Finding ways to cope with anxiety can make it feel less overwhelming. If you’re ready to learn about coping skills and discuss treatment options, we’re here to help. Feel free to give us a call at (866) 986-1481 and we’ll connect you with a professional.
