Anxiety is common, including for male-identifying people. The world has undergone tremendous changes with the COVID-19 pandemic. This has brought on even more stress and anxiety. Keeping anxiety levels as low as possible is a priority for living a more peaceful, happier life. Here’s some helpful tips if you’re struggling with anxious, fearful thoughts.
- Take Time To Meditate – Meditation consists of going within, focusing on the breath, and relaxing every muscle in the body. It’s centering on the inside. When we’re stressed, muscles tense, breathing becomes shallow, and thoughts are scattered. Meditation teaches us to better control thoughts and beliefs, which helps us feel more relaxed. We can shut the world out momentarily and enjoy peace and stillness inside. Take time each day to sit quietly while focusing on the breath. Relax your body. Allow your central nervous system to relax. Notice anxious thoughts diminishing and anxiety levels decreasing; a feeling of relief.
- Get A Massage – If you’ve ever had a massage, you can relate to the fact that they do wonders for relaxing the body. If you’re prone to struggle with anxiety, schedule a weekly massage. Getting pampered isn’t just for women. Practice self-care by lying down and letting a massage therapist work out anxiety in the body.
- Hit The Gym – Exercise is a great way to de-stress. We can hit the gym or workout at home or in nature. As we sweat and work muscles, the body lets go of built-up tension. It’s a fantastic way to reduce overall stress and anxiety. For best results, commit to a lifestyle of fitness, working out in some fashion between three and five days a week.
- Become Mindful – Mindfulness means to be aware of each moment as it comes. It’s staying in the moment, engaging the senses to stay present. By practicing mindfulness, the mind tends to race with fewer thoughts. When we focus on our breath, we think less. This is an important thing to note, since often it’s thoughts that cause a spike in anxiety. Commit to a more mindful life staying in the present moment rather than ruminating on the past or future. Expect to experience much more peace.
- Aim For Balance – Many stressed out guys simply aren’t living in balance. Maybe they are overworked with school or work on their minds, even when they’re at home. Or maybe they’re overplaying, always playing video games, scrolling on social media, etc. Being out of balance can throw the mind and body into stress, which can make us feel lethargic, agitated, and anxious. Therefore, aim for a balanced life when it comes to self-care, work, and recreation. Check in with yourself regularly to see just how balanced your life is and make adjustments as necessary.
