Anxiety is a very human emotion, but it’s one that many struggle with. Especially when we seem to have an excess of it. The good news is that some things can effectively help relieve anxiety. Just keep reading to find out what they are.
1. Movement
One of the most effective things we can do when we’re feeling anxious is move our bodies. Not only does it give us something to focus on, but it can also help release some of the tension we hold in our muscles and which signals to our bodies and minds that we are stressed. Additionally, moving our bodies helps to pump oxygenated blood around our systems, get rid of an excess of stress hormones like cortisol, and even release happy hormones like endorphins that can help boost our mood.
2. Journalling
There is definitely something to be said about getting all of our worries out of our heads and onto paper. Indeed, it can provide a cathartic release, as well as clear our minds. Worries can often seem quite different when we write them down, too, and those that appear as towering problems in our heads can seem much more manageable on paper.
Additionally, our journal entries can be useful for us and our therapists in establishing patterns of anxious thinking. This can then provide further insight into why we are struggling with anxiety and so poeontailly what we can do to relieve it.
3. Spending time with pets
For many of us, the relationship we have with our beloved pets is the most uncomplicated and unconditional one we have. Pets don’t let us down like humans; they don’t judge us either, and that is why spending some time cuddling and stroking a furry, feathered or even scaled friend can be incredibly soothing to those with anxiety.
Some people even find having their pets with them so soothing that they choose to make them an emotional support animal, officially. This means getting the proper paperwork signed off by an experienced doctor, ensuring that your pet can stay with you even in public and residential situations where they would not normally be allowed.
4. Spending time with friends and loved ones
Whether you use this time to talk out your problems and worries, or just connect with those you love, spending time with friends and loved ones can be a great way to distract you from and relieve your anxiety.
If you are struggling with the thought of seeing people because of your anxiety, you may wish to consider some accommodations, such as making a phone or video call instead of going in person, planning a specific activity like the cinema or bowling instead of a dinner. In this way, you can have something to focus on other than the interaction itself, which can make it a less pressured situation.
5. Therapy
Last of all, therapy can be very helpful for those of us who struggle with our mental health. Of course, there are all sorts of therapies out there, and you must choose the right one for you. Often, this depends on identifying what is causing your anxiety. For example, the therapy for generalised anxiety disorder is quite different from that for OCD. Therapies like psychoanalysis and EMDR can also help process traumatic memories or beliefs that are causing or contributing to anxiety. If you are unsure what the root cause of your anxiety is, talking therapy can help identify it.
Anxiety can feel all-consuming, but it’s important to remember that you’re not powerless against it. Simple practices—like moving your body, journaling your thoughts, spending time with loved ones (human or furry), and seeking professional support—can make a real difference in calming your mind and restoring balance. The key is consistency and self-compassion. You don’t have to do everything at once—start small, experiment with what helps you most, and know that every mindful step you take toward caring for yourself is a step toward peace. You deserve to feel grounded and at ease.