"I wake up every morning with the worst anxiety. I don't know why. I have, like, a problem." – Kylie Jenner
Ms. Jenner isn't alone, as anxiety is currently the number one mental health issue in America, with 18-30% of adults experiencing anxiety or panic disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. That's why we're so drawn to DreamRise’s mission, to make a difference in how people approach their mental calm.
So if you're ever feeling anxious, here are some stress relief hacks (backed by science!) that might surprise you.
Smell the Flowers, Er, Oranges
This may totally explain my life obsession with oranges, but studies have shown that smelling citrus fruits can relieve stress by over 70%!
So yeah, keep your fridge stocked with citrus fruits, and having citrus essential oils can also be a helpful alternative.
Breathing Exercises
Low hanging fruit here, but it's true. Breathing may be involuntary background "noise," but when your "fight or flight response" is triggered, paying close attention to your breathing patterns is a critical first-response solution to your daily anxiety.
Try some of these breathing exercises recommended by UC Berkeley Health Services.
As a bonus, you can apply DreamRise around your temples and neck area and breathe deeply, this is one of our favorite anti-anxiety exercises!
Check Your Vitamins
Research has shown people who suffer from general anxiety are more likely to need extra B vitamins, magnesium, other minerals, essential fatty acids, as well as certain amino acids.
So yeah, get your supplement game up! We personally recommend Pure Encapsulations, that’s the good stuff.
Put Down Your Phone
It is a well-known, studied phenomenon that increased social media has a strong correlation with social anxiety and depression.
We're not saying to be a complete social media Luddite, but be mindful of how much time you're spending there, especially before you go to sleep and when you wake up.
Tap, Tap, Tap
Have you ever wondered why when you go into the doctor's office and they're sticking a needle into your arm, the medical staff tap your arm? Well, it turns out there is a scientific reason called the EFT technique (Emotional Freedom Technique), which is clinically proven to be a stress, anxiety, and pain reliever.
Here's a helpful video on how to tap into your body to help with your daily stress.
You're My Butterfly, Sugar Baby
Finally, blood sugar swings can also create a feeling of anxiety, especially when your blood sugar drops.
Try tracking your blood sugar levels with an at-home glucometer to see if your day-to-day blood sugar swings are triggering anxiety episodes. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help lower your anxiety, and if you want to go the extra mile, create low-glycemic modifications to your diet.
"Anxiety is the handmaiden of creativity." – T.S. Eliot
At the end of the day, we don't treat anxiety as an ENEMY. It's simply part of life's condition, the yin to your yang. We believe in balance, that not one side absolutely overwhelms you, especially when it comes to anxiety.
However, as anxiety arrives, know that it's a precursor to your next growth phase, idea, or moment of joy. As we like to say at DreamRise, everything will be chill.