Dealing with the pressures of school is enough to overwhelm any student, but throw in diagnosed anxiety and panic, well, you’ve got yourself one heck of a time trying to keep up with the daily pressures of not just school, but of life.
Over the course of my time here at Boise State (five years and counting), I’ve learned a few things on how to eliminate, or at least downgrade, the effects of anxiety.
Even if you’re not diagnosed, but still have days where you feel nervous for no reason at all, these home remedies may help calm your nerves.
First, try to eliminate all caffeine from your diet.
Yes, I realize coffee and sugary drinks are often essential when pulling all-nighters or trying to wake up from a sleepless night, but the caffeine does more harm than g sood.
According to Livestrong.com, “Caffeine is a stimulant that increases heart rate and can lead to nervousness and agitation, increasing anxiety levels.”
There are a few options if cutting caffeinated drinks out of your diet is impossible (though it shouldn’t be):
First, switch to brands of soda that produce similar products with no caffeine.
As a Diet Coke fanatic, I was bummed when I learned I would have to give up my vice, but because they offer a caffeine-free version, I am still able to have my soda without any side effects.
Coffee, on the other hand, is a little trickier.
But there are options. Most brands and stores carry decaffeinated coffees.
Be careful though. When a brand labels coffee as “decaffeinated,” it doesn’t mean it’s free of caffeine.
According to coffeefaq.com, “coffee must have had its caffeine level reduced by no less than 97.5 percent.”
However, decaffeinated coffee is still better than regular coffee.
I am by no way saying I don’t indulge in these sugary and salty sweets.
But when you get to a point where the caffeine is causing more anxiety than you’re comfortable with, it’s time to make a change.
Give up caffeine for a week and I guarantee you’ll feel less anxious.
Come on, it’s not that hard! If I could do it, you can do it!
