Being anxious about things is part and parcel about being alive today. The presence of social media, our incredibly frenetic lifestyles, it doesn’t take much, or even anything in specific for us to experience anxiety. It’s just there!
In the UK 1 in 10 adults say they experience or live with “disabling anxiety” and 1 in 13 say they experience some form of anxiety. Speaking to The Standard, Nicky Leadbetter the CEO of Anxiety UK, the UK’s biggest mental health charity, says that the way of talking about the issues has done much to improve the way people affected by it manage ti. “I can’t recall a time when we’ve been talking about anxiety in the volumes that we are now,” he says. “Partly it’s because people feel more comfortable discussing their mental health and seeking help, but it’s also on the increase.”
Anxiety is in fact on the rise according to experts, caused by the fact that we’re rarely disconnected from our screens as well as the fact that our lifestyles have made us simultaneously more inactive and more alone.
So here are 5 simple ways to combat anxiety while you’re out and about that won’t have you going into a silent meditation.
1. Read a book on your commute instead of staring at your phone
Don’t roll your eyes! Reading a book for a minimum of 6 minutes is supposed to lower your anxiety and stress levels by more than two-thirds- 68% to be precise! Research found that it works better and faster than going for a walk, having a cup of tea, or listening to music.
2. Take some CBD oil
We’ve talked about it before here, but CBD oil, whilst much-hyped is still not entirely popularised. It’s been proven to lower hypertension and reduce anxiety considerably, and at least the anecdotal evidence alone is staggering. People have reported curing depression to panic attacks with it. It’s as simple as mixing it into your mid morning cupa, no biggie, and take the edge off. CBD oil can easily be bought online and even in Holland & Barrett.
READ: WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH CBD OIL?
3. A 10 minute walk can save your day
Physical exercise is known of course to reduce anxiety and stress, but now it turns out that even a 10 minute walk can be as beneficial as 45 minutes work-out and its effects can last up to 10 minutes.
4. Rescue Remedy (and all brandy-like things really)
Whilst alcohol consumption is generally advised against when it comes to anxiety, brandy is well known to give you quick respite from anything immediate. We mean a wee tipple, not knocking ‘em back so to forget! Bach’s Rescue Remedy contains 27% grape based brandy and is a great quick fix. No pharmacy around? Just ask the bar man for a tiny shot of brandy and it’ll soothe you. Sip though, don’t knock back!
5. Calm App
If you’ve ever looked up anxiety or ways to de-stress, chances are that you’ve come across the Calm App. It’s supposedly the number 1 app for mindfulness and meditation in the world. If that’s not your vibe don’t be put off! It’s basically an on-the-go way of taking a breather and not freaking out. Pop your headphones in on the tube or in the supermarket while you’re getting your lunch, pick the anxiety related guided meditation and sit back and let yourself see clearly again. Honestly it’s a God send!
