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5 Things That Make Your Anxiety Worse

April 18, 2024
Anxiety is an insidious condition. While a serious, sometimes debilitating disease, only about one-third of the more than 40 million Americans who suffer from it will seek treatment. Those who don’t will face a range of challenges, from loss of sleep and headaches to decreased productivity at work and interference with personal lives.

Anxiety may be genetic, or gender-related, or it may be brought on by one or a series of life events. Whatever the cause, this condition is highly treatable, and there are a number of lifestyle choices that we can make that will influence whether our anxiety is lessened or exacerbated.

While a doctor will be able to help you develop a roadmap that will ease your specific anxiety triggers, here are five daily activities that are making your anxiety worse, and what you can do about them:

Skipping Meals

Most people who suffer from anxiety disorders skip breakfast - further proof that this is the most important meal of the day. However, whether you’re skipping breakfast, lunch, or dinner, missing meals will impact your blood sugar level, causing dips that can cause abrupt mood changes (think about how grumpy and fussy babies and children become when they get hungry).

If you’re someone who is struggling with anxiety, you should avoid skipping meals. Instead of opting for three large or heavy meals (especially those consisting of junk food or processed foods which will send your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster), opt for five, smaller meals throughout the day. You will also want to choose your meals carefully, because what you’re eating may be impacting your mood more than you realize…