7 Destructive Habits that Cause Anxiety in Men
This is a Guest Article from Ryan Rivera used to be an anxiety patient. He suffered from it for seven years. Learn his story and what he did to survive anxiety at www.calmclinic.com
“Why do I have anxiety?” Most people suffering from anxiety attacks and other anxiety disorders must have asked themselves this question at some point or another. They must have been very baffled why such unbearable and incapacitating disorder has fallen on them, of all people. Why me? Why not him? Why not them? And the questions keep on piling up…
But what people do not know is that they, as individuals, have direct influence as to why they experience these anxiety attacks and anxiety disorders. As captains of their own vessels, they are pretty much responsible for the course of their lives. The way they handle themselves and the way they deal with their day-to-day activities are significantly influential to the development of their disorder.
We can sum up then that anxiety attacks and disorders are caused by people’s HABITS. Yes, habits! Those acquired behavioral pattern that has become nearly or completely involuntary. These habits, particularly the bad ones, can lead to the development of anxiety disorders. To establish if you really are to blame for your disorder, let us look at some particular established acts that can cause anxiety.
1. Lack of Adequate Sleep
Our bodies need for adequate sleep is best explained by what happens to us when we lack of it. An individual with over 24 hours of sleep deprivation will experience anxiety, irritation, impairments in reflex movements, and difficulties in problem solving. With over 48 hours of sleep deprivation, confusion, misconceptions, and inability to perform tasks requiring attention ensue. These examples of symptoms of anxiety that occur with insomnia prove to us how the habit of constantly refusing to take our minds and bodies to rest can cause anxiety. Inadequate rest harms our ability to think, to deal with pressure, to sustain steady logical judgment and to restrain our feelings.
It is vitally important then, to get adequate sleep on a daily basis. Although how much sleep a person should get each day varies from individual to individual and is determined by age, most people need six to eight hours of sleep every 24-hour period so that functionality is still maintained.
2. Negative Thinking
Negative thinking is a self-defeating habit that makes us act in ways that often interfere with our goals. By believing the extremes or worst in things, we plant the seed of fear in us that can project itself through anxiety attacks. Holding on to our terrifying experiences gives more room for anxieties and fears, keeping them a permanent fixture in our lives. In order to break from this, it is crucial that we change how we perceive certain situation. We need to stop obsessing about negative things and concentrate more on positive outcomes. The fear of feeling afraid causes us to limit our lives and suffer from anxiety disorders.
3. Unrealistic Goals and Expectations
Setting high standards in every thing we do and try to accomplish is certainly admirable. It just goes to show how passionate and dedicated we are in doing what we do. But as much as it is commendable, this constant preoccupation with perfection may set us up for uncomfortable feelings of fear of failure that could lead to anxiety. Trying to set our goals to a more accomplishable stance and being contented with the effects and outcomes are more likely going to help us overcome the anxious feelings and live far more stress-free lives.
4. Procrastination
Whether we admit it or not, procrastination is the habit we are most guilty of. Psychologically, our act of putting things off for later signifies our misconceptions about our own capabilities. It is our way of not having to deal with consequences of certain situations or tasks because we establish in our heads an image full of negativity. Our low self-esteem or self- confidence can leads us to shy away from experiences that we perceive will only result to failure. The thought of doing anything that may only lead to failure creates an extraordinary weight of stress on us that can lead to anxiety.
To counter procrastination, a positive affirmation of ourselves and our skills should be practiced. Constant restructuring of our self-perception will gradually increase our confidence and deter us from progressing into anxiety attacks.
5. Sedentary Lifestyle
A couch potato life is never a good life. Ongoing researches support that the lack of physical activity that gets the heart pumping can lead to health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Regular exercise in the form of aerobics, stretching, running, cycling, or brisk walking are ideal exercises that combat anxiety attacks and mild to moderate depression.
6. Lack of Stimulating Thought
As much as the body needs its daily physical exercise, so does the brain need some form of stimulating thinking. The brain is a muscle that can shrink and die due to lack of exercise. Its exercise which comes in the form of thinking needs to be challenging to stimulate the neurons and maintain them in perfect functioning. Exercises that help keep it in shape include playing chess, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or FreeCell.
7. Morning Coffee
For some people, coffee is the ultimate way to start the day right. Without it, a chain reaction of “bad morning” comes to mind. However, taking that dose of coffee in excessive amounts can cause anxiety attacks. The substance caffeine contained in coffee is a very powerful stimulant that gives the drinker immediate adrenalin rush.
If you are one of the many millions of people who suffer from symptoms of anxiety, it is advised that you try to examine yourself. Take a look at the way you live your life. See if you have certain habits that can trigger your anxiety attacks. Avoid or let go of them to free yourself from situations that will trigger anxiety or worsen your condition.
To Your Health!
Ken
Ken Weiss is a health blogger who is passionate about natural and holistic cures for men’s health issues. He is the founder of menshealthcures.com
i’ve been sick since february and i’ve gone to hosp.more than 2 times the doctor is saying that i have migraine because d sickness affected 1 side of my head.in a nutshell,i discovered that i have anxiety pls how can i be free from anxiety forever.i’m fed up because it is affecting my academic performance.