People who live with anxiety or anxiety disorders may find it challenging and exhausting, but fortunately, they can manage the commonly associated symptoms with just a little bit of preparation and knowledge.

If you have anxiety, it is always a good idea to educate yourself as much as possible. The more you know about your anxiety, the more likely you can help control or recover from it.

The following are tips to help manage your anxiety regardless of the situations that make you feel anxious:

Eat a Healthy Diet

Studies have shown that an improper diet can lead to anxiety or aggravate it as well as affect your mood and energy levels. Eat a well-balanced diet and do not skip any meals. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they are known as anxiety triggers.

Diets low in iron, vitamin D, and B can also trigger anxiety. Schedule a blood test to make sure all your vitamins are in the right levels and to see where you need to adjust your diet or if you need supplements.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

God created us with great care and attention. By taking care of our bodies with a healthy diet, we honor the way God designed us, which can help reduce anxiety.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure to learn more.

Get Enough Sleep and Exercise

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends getting at least 8 hours of sleep or more each night and exercising daily. Inadequate sleep can lead to worsening symptoms of anxiety and exercise boosts serotonin in the brain to help make you feel good.

Not only that, proper sleep and exercise will lead to feeling more productive and a better overall quality of life.

"It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2

God desires for us to rest and not be consumed by anxious toil. By prioritizing sleep and exercise, we align with God's design for rest and rejuvenation, which helps to ease anxiety.

Accept That You Can't Control Everything

There are simply things that are out of our control. We cannot control the people around us or the surrounding atmosphere.

When you are feeling anxious, or you know you are about to attend an event or do something that fills you with anxiety, keep this in mind.

Just because you cannot control everything around you does not mean things won't go your way or be okay.  

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34

Jesus teaches us not to worry about the future. Trusting in God's provision for each day helps us release the burden of trying to control everything, reducing anxiety.

Learn Your Triggers

Anytime you feel anxious, take notes about your situation. Where are you and what just made you feel this way?

Although not everyone will have a pattern, some people may, and it's beneficial to know what it is.

This way, you can either avoid situations if they are not important to you or you can make a plan before doing it again.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!" Psalm 139:23

Asking God to search our hearts and reveal our anxious thoughts helps us identify our triggers. With God's guidance, we can understand and manage these triggers more effectively.

Get FREE Workbook!

Prove Your Anxiety Wrong

Anxiety is an irrational fear. When you are feeling anxious, nothing bad is going to happen. Evaluate your anxiety when you notice you are feeling anxious.

Ask yourself what you are feeling anxious about and then prove it wrong by showing yourself why it is wrong by doing the thing, anyway.

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

With Christ's strength, we can confront and overcome our anxieties. By taking action despite our fears, we show our trust in God's power and ability to help us succeed.

How to Act During Anxious Times

If you notice you are feeling anxious, get to a place that is comfortable and familiar. Then take a moment to control your breathing.

You may even want to count to ten and tell yourself that you are okay.

Finding a loved one or friend to talk to during this moment is beneficial as well, because they can distract you and try to put your mind at ease.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

God invites us to cast our anxieties on Him, knowing that He cares for us deeply. In moments of anxiety, turning to God and seeking comfort in His presence can bring peace and reassurance.

Use these tips throughout your daily life to help control your anxiety. Although these are useful tips to help you cope with anxiety, it is always important to seek the advice of a physician. Anxiety is highly treatable and can be crippling without proper care.

Discover secrets to a better life with anxiety. Download your free EBook, "What You Need to Know About Anxiety & Panic Attacks'. The perfect add-on for the workbook!

Get FREE Ebook!