If you live with anxiety, there are several activities to help calm anxiety that you can do, and some of these activities may include things you already enjoy. Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of children, teens, and adults each year. A recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau finds that nearly 4 out of 10 people experienced anxiety symptoms in 2023.1
At Outreach Recovery, we support individuals who struggle with anxiety disorders. Our programs use a mix of behavioral and holistic therapies and medical support to ease any disruptive symptoms. To learn more about what our anxiety treatment program can do for you or a loved one, call 888.897.9284 today to schedule a consultation.
How Can Your Favorite Activities Help Calm Anxiety?
Imagine yourself doing something you enjoy. It distracts you from obsessing over past or future events, something someone said about you, or any other negative thoughts that can trigger your anxiety. Some fun activities that fully engage your mind include:
- Reading a novel by your favorite author
- Playing chess
- Learning to play an instrument or a new skill
- Singing and dancing
- Engaging your friends in a discussion
These and other activities help you stay present and will reduce any anxious thoughts or increases in stress levels, which can have a very negative effect on your overall health.
5 Activities to Help Calm Anxiety
The best activities to calm anxiety are unique to each person and can vary wildly. To give you an idea of what you can do, here are five activities to help calm anxiety:
- Gardening – Many people who garden will tell you there is something very calming and relaxing about digging your hands in the dirt and making something grow. This activity is something everyone can do and is very calming, eases stress and anxiety, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
- Journaling – Daily journaling is another excellent activity for calming anxiety. It allows you to revisit events during the day and write about how they made you feel. This is a great way to identify anxiety triggers and learn to cope with the situation in a healthier manner.
- Pets – Caring and playing with your pet is a natural way to reduce anxiety. In fact, reports have shown that people with pets are able to reduce anxiety and stress symptoms by 69%.2 If you don’t have any pets, consider volunteering at a pet shelter or take a side job as a pet sitter.
- Yoga/meditation – This ancient practice has proven mental health benefits that go a long way toward reducing anxiety. It has a positive effect on the body and creates a deeper connection to the self and a better understanding of how one thinks and feels. There are many different types and styles of yoga you can try, including Hatha, Satyananda, Vinyasa, and restorative yoga.
- Volunteering – If you have a passion for helping others, volunteering at a community center, homeless shelter, daycare, or animal shelter can go a long way toward calming anxiety. This activity can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment and can be a great joy when you see how your actions have a positive effect on others.
These are just a few of the ways to calm anxiety in a natural way. If you like to crochet or read about history, these activities and anything else that brings you pleasure can help calm your anxiety.
Join Outreach Recovery Today for Our Anxiety Treatment Program
Outreach Recovery is a full-service outpatient mental health treatment center that supports people with anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and other treatable mental health conditions. If you are ready for a positive change, call 888.897.9284 today to schedule a tour and take that first step toward an anxiety-free life.
Footnotes:
- Kaiser Family Foundation – Latest Federal Data Show That Young People Are More Likely Than Older Adults to Be Experiencing Symptoms of Anxiety or Depression
- American Psychiatric Association – Americans Note Overwhelming Positive Mental Health Impact of Their Pets in New Poll; Dogs and Cats Equally Beneficial