These days, anxiety and depression have become a global pandemic due to a fast-paced lifestyle. Families face multiple stressors every day, and feeling upset or worried is their natural response.
However, lifestyle change can be a simple yet powerful tool in coping with such difficulties. Here, we’ll talk about the most beneficial tips to overcome anxiety and depression for a healthier family. So without wasting any time, let’s see those tips below:
Pay Attention
One of the most important tips to overcome anxiety is to first recognize it. For that, you will need to pay attention to all your family members. You should be aware of how your family members, especially kids, feel and think. Observe their behavior and mood swings, any changes in routine or habit, patterns of isolation/withdrawal, and changes in diet.
By focusing on the feelings of your family members, you can ensure that nobody is suffering from anxiety in isolation. Also, scheduling fun activities and family time can do wonders in building strong bonds between family members.
Exercise Regularly
There is strong research that suggests that exercise or physical activity elevates mood and reduces stress. Physical exercise is known to have better effects than an antidepressant. Also, medication can work for some people in the beginning, but its effects fade away. However, lifestyle changes like exercise will have a long-lasting and permanent effect.
There are certain types of exercises such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong known to help with anxiety and depression. So, doing exercise every day will get you a step away from anxiety and closer to having a healthier family.
Limit Screen Time
We spend the whole day sticking to our screens for work, school, or just entertainment. Due to increasing screen time, we do not get what we need emotionally to regulate our stress, resulting in more risks of developing anxiety and depression.
Limit and schedule time for each member of the family. For instance, no family member should use a screen while sitting at a dinner table. This lifestyle change may take time and effort, but it is a great way to connect to our families and know how they feel.
Get Closer to Nature
We face countless worries, uncertainties, fears, and losses on a daily basis. All these emotions are bound to take a toll on our mental health. To maintain a healthy mind, we should get closer to nature.
Nature can have quite a calming effect on us. Spending some time near plants and animals can take away our entire day’s stress. As per research, going for a walk in the park was people’s favorite way to cope with anxiety and depression.
Get Sufficient Sleep
Anyone who has suffered from problems like sleep deficiency or insomnia knows perfectly how the lack of sleep affects our mind and body. Insufficient sleep reduces our ability to cope with everyday life and leads us on the path of anxiety and depression.
Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night and kids need from 10 to 12, depending on their ages. If you or your family members are suffering from sleep deficiency, then try making some life changes, such as developing a relaxing bedtime routine one hour before sleeping, avoiding screens or caffeine before bedtime, etc.
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
People suffering from anxiety and depression often turn to alcohol and other substances to calm their nerves temporarily. However, abuse of such things can lead to several life-threatening conditions.
If your family member is using or abusing alcohol or other drugs to cope with anxiety, then do not ignore it. Getting them the help they need and sticking by their side will give them the courage to take positive steps in their withdrawal.
Remember, mixing antidepressants or other medications with alcohol or any substance can have adverse effects on your health.
Socialize More
Sometimes, spending time with friends and family can be all the therapy that you need to deal with your anxiety and depression. Having a strong social system can make all the difference for anxiety patients.
So go out and meet your friends more often. If you do not have friends or a social system, Social Support Groups can also help you and your family.
Use Stress Management Techniques
Another great way to overcome anxiety and depression is for the whole family to use stress management techniques. These techniques include meditation, journaling your thoughts, practicing yoga, and other relaxation methods.
It is worth noting that by identifying anxiety triggers, you will be able to choose the correct stress management technique.
Focus On Your Diet
Diet plays a huge role in maintaining your physical and mental health. Research shows that people who eat added sugar and ultra-processed foods are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorder.
So, to have a healthier family, focus on a balanced diet with more vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds etc.
In A Nutshell
Daily stress from work, school, and society can make you incredibly anxious. Quality family time, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep time will significantly impact the whole family.
We hope that the tips mentioned above will help you and your family overcome anxiety and depression. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Also read:
5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools
How Music Therapy Helps Struggling Teens
Image source: Freepic
