Anxiety attacks or general feelings of anxiousness can leave you feeling incapable of moving forward. While it may seem like there’s nothing to do but wait it out, there are several techniques that can be used to loosen anxiety’s grip. Here are four anxiety treatment tips to help alleviate your feelings of uneasiness.

3 Tips for Relieving Everyday Anxiety

  1. Practice Deep Breathing

One of the best things you can do when an anxiety attack is coming on is to close your eyes and practice deep breathing. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Focus on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth — inhale for a count of four seconds and exhale slowly after holding for a count of three. The hand on your belly should go in as you inhale and move out as you exhale. Repeat this breathing as necessary until your mind and heart rate settle down.

  1. Make Self-Care a Habit

Self-care is a natural anxiety treatment. Find something you love to do and carve out time in your schedule to do it. Whether it’s getting a monthly manicure and pedicure, treating yourself to an at-home spa day, reading a book, or going for a run outside, any time that’s spent treating yourself well and getting your mind on something other than your anxieties is good for your overall mental health.

  1. Stick to a Sleep Schedule

Even though it may seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day, staying up late to finish the last thing on your to-do list isn’t recommended. This will leave you feeling exhausted and susceptible to increased stress and anxiety levels. Set up a sleep schedule and stick to it to enhance your alertness and make daily tasks less stressful.