Finding the apartment you want in Washington, D.C. or Virginia is stressful enough. While having a great resource for finding luxury apartments for rent helps, moving is certainly not going to help your anxiety. Studies have shown it’s one of the most stressful life events. If you know how to relieve stress naturally, you can better cope.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety can be caused by mental or physical conditions or external factors. A panic disorder can contribute to the problem, as can an abnormal heart rhythm or overactive thyroid. External factors can include financial stress and stress at work, school, and in a relationship or marriage; a serious illness; or side effects from a medication.
Symptoms
Physical symptoms include chest pain, headaches, upset stomach, muscle tension and discomfort, insomnia, dry mouth, and frequent colds and infections. Emotional symptoms, including agitation, irritated mood, and being easily frustrated can be signs of anxiety. You may feel overwhelmed and out of control, lonely, or depressed. The cognitive effects range from constant worrying to having racing thoughts and poor judgment, being forgetful, and having the inability to focus.
Natural Ways to Destress
There are short-term and long-term ways to destress naturally. If there are circumstances in life beyond your control, these short-term solutions might work for you.
- Using essential oils: Oil scents such as lavender, rose, orange blossom, and Roman chamomile can be used as aromatherapy. They’re known to soothe anxiety and improve sleep.
- Practicing deep breathing: This sends a message to the brain, which, in turn, is relayed to the body, to tell it to relax. Various breathing exercises can decrease your heart rate, blood pressure, and tension level.
- Chewing gum: Can relieve stress and provide a sense of well-being. Researchers believe chewing gum stimulates brain waves associated with relaxation and promotes blood flow to the brain.
- Talking to a friend: A supportive network of family and friends helps provide a sense of belonging and self-worth. Even time with cats, dogs, and other animals can help you feel better.
Long-term ways to destress include:
- Taking supplements: Potentially helpful ones include green tea, which can increase serotonin levels, while omega-3 fatty acids, lemon balm, and valerian have been studied for their anti-anxiety effects.
- Exercising: Going for a run or walk can burn off anxious energy. You can also try relaxation exercises to reduce muscle tension, while yoga is popular as well. It increases body and breath awareness; yoga and mediation may also lower blood pressure and cortisol levels and increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter associated with a positive mood.
- Journaling: Expressing your anxieties and troubles in writing can help, whether you write about what you’re stressed about or focus on positive things. You can try journaling about your life or work on some creative writing.
Moving to DC? Keener Management Can Help
If you’re moving to or relocating within the Washington, D.C., area, find your new home through Keener Management with little hassle. We have affordable luxury apartment properties in popular DC neighborhoods. Browse our online listings or call 202-249-0894 today!