If you have
trouble controlling your emotions, keeping a clear mind and you wish to
overcome your fears, read on for a selection of activities for your
well-being.
Anxiety is a diffused feeling of fear and uneasiness that is distinct from stress and anguish.
This
state of alert is aggravated by a lack of self-confidence, overwork or a
strenuous results-driven lifestyle (professional, personal or family
related). Subject to feelings of self-doubt, those with anxious
personalities may have difficulty making decisions and choosing. Highly
dependent on those close to them, they can have a hard time dealing with
separation. Oftentimes, daily hassles are perceived as amplified.
People
with anxious personalities are generally split into two large
categories. Some feel the need to focus on themselves in order to better
understand the roots of their discomfort while others feel the need to
be challenged.
Endurance sports
In
2012, a study lead by researchers from the University of Georgia was
published on medline.com revealing the benefits of sports and physical
activities, in particular aerobics, in treating anxiety. The recommended
activities were primarily endurance sports: walking, hiking, running or
cycling. These kinds of activities allow those with anxious
personalities to monitor their heart rate and breathing. Benefits could
include an improved control of self and the ability to become
progressively calmer over time — the first step to a peaceful existence —
as well as letting out negative energy.
Swimming
In
addition to being an endurance sport, swimming has the added benefit of
inducing a feeling of peace and security as the water allows your body
to float. The connection to a natural element helps accentuate these
positive sensations.
Weight-lifting
Individuals
with anxious personalities can find it very difficult to deal with
failure. This is why activities that focus on personal performance are
favored. It allows the individual to decide the speed of his or her
progression and avoids situations in which others could make a
performance-based judgement. The explosive nature of weight-lifting is
also an excellent way to release tension.
Extreme sports
Extreme
sports are well suited to those who want to challenge themselves and
overcome personal limits be it rock climbing, parachuting or any other
extreme activity. The high doses of adrenaline these types of activities
produce allows individuals to progressively let go of negative
feelings. Again, being close to nature can help anxious personalities
emerge from their bubble.
Last but not least, a healthy lifestyle
is essential to appease feelings of anxiety. It is important to sleep
well, eat a balanced diet and limit the intake of stimulants like
alcohol, coffee or tobacco.
By Julius Choudhury | Source: AFP
