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Tag: mental health
9 Useful Tools For Anxiety Relief
We have all experienced anxiety during our lives. Most of us are able to cope with stress and anxiety but it can become problematic and may even cause other more serious medical issues. In this post, I am going to give you 9 ways to obtain anxiety relief without drugs.  Most of these techniques can be learned quickly and some you may already know.
1. Take A Walk
One of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce stress and anxiety is to remove yourself from the current situation. I like to take a quick walk outside when possible. Just breathing fresh air can really help. Take some time to appreciate nature. Pick up a leaf and notice how remarkable nature can be. Walk to a river or stream and just watch and listen to the running water. Taking a walk not only helps with anxiety but can also improve blood flow to your brain and help you think more clearly.
2. Exercise
Exercise is one of the best weapons against stress and anxiety. It is so important that it is one of my five pillars of health. We all know the many benefits of exercise. If you find yourself experiencing stress and anxiety, make time for physical activity. It is important that you pick a form of exercise you enjoy. If you don’t like the activity, you probably won’t stick to it. I recommend setting aside at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week for exercise.
3. Be Sure to Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is also one of my five pillars of health. I have found that if I don’t get enough sleep, I become more easily stressed and my anxiety level increases. Most of us need at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night. This will vary depending on the individual. When we are under stress, our bodies need more sleep. Be sure to practice good sleep hygiene as well.
4. Watch What You Eat
5. Avoid or Limit Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can make anxiety and stress much worse. It can decrease sleep quality and using it to relax can backfire. Click here for a more in depth discussion on why you should avoid drinking alcohol.
6. Just Breathe
The quickest and easiest way to reduce anxiety is to concentrate on your breathing. I like to use square breathing. Breathe in for 3 seconds, hold your breath for 3 seconds, breath out for 3 seconds, hold your breath for 3 seconds, and repeat as many times as necessary. This takes your mind away from whatever it is that is causing the stress.Â
7. Stay Positive
I believe positivity can improve almost anything. Always remember that things can always be worse. Think of what you are grateful for and consider keeping a gratitude journal. Writing these things down can improve happiness and reduce anxiety.Â
8. Be Careful With Caffeine
Coffee and caffeinated beverages can keep you alert, but too much caffeine may make stress and anxiety worse. Know your limits. Be sure to stop drinking caffeine several hours before going to sleep. Â
9. Consider Natural Supplements
Our Anxiety Formula is specifically designed to help reduce the symptoms caused by stress and anxiety. Order yours today by clicking on this link.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click on, or make a purchase through a third-party link.
Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP
Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.
Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.
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Gaslighting in Relationships, Is it Happening to you?
Are you being gaslighted in your relationship?
What is gaslighting?
How do you stop it?
Gaslighting describes a form of manipulation. In gaslighting, the manipulator convinces their victim that the victim’s thinking or thoughts are distorted. They proceed by convincing the victim that their (the manipulators) views are correct. This may lead to the victim questioning their sanity. The victim may start to question their thoughts, memories and experiences.
This term was born as a result of Patrick Hamilton’s stage play Gas Light in 1938. This play became a movie starring Ingrid Bergman and Joseph Cotton in 1944. In Gas Light, the husband slowly dims the lights in their home, powered by gas. When his wife asks about the dim lights, the husband insists that the lights haven’t changed, and she is making a mistake in believing so.
Is this a big deal?
Why worry about such a trivial thing?
The truth is gaslighting can have an impact on our emotional, psychological, and even physical health. How can we detect gaslighting and stop it from affecting us in a negative way?
The Signs of Gaslighting
The following are signs that may suggest that you are the victim of gaslighting. Â
- You often wonder if you are too sensitive.
- You find yourself apologizing often.
- You feel like something is wrong but can’t identify it.
- You feel isolated from your friends and family.
- You have a hard time making your own decisions.
- You feel hopeless.
- You are unable to experience pleasure from activities you enjoyed in the past.
- You make excuses for your partner’s behavior.
- You always think it is your fault when things go wrong.
- You are becoming increasingly anxious.
- You don’t feel like yourself anymore.
- Your confidence has diminished.
- You question the responses you give to your partner.
Although many of these signs are also present in depressive and anxiety disorders, the difference is that gaslighting involves another person. If you experience these symptoms with a specific individual, you may be the victim of gaslighting.
How to Fight Gaslighting
The first step to fighting gaslighting is recognizing that it is occurring. If you have any of the symptoms listed above ask yourself if they happen around everyone or just a particular person. As I have pointed out in previous posts, if you believe you are suffering from anxiety or depression and you feel like it is affecting your ability to live a meaningful, happy life, you should seek professional help.
Remember, mental disorders are no different than any other medical issue, they just affect a different organ. Never feel distressed about seeking medical attention for any reason. You deserve to be happy!
It may also be important to seek professional help if you are being gaslighted, especially if it involves someone who is hard to escape from such as a live-in partner. Many times, getting the advice of a third-party who can see the situation objectively is critical.
I also want to point out that many individuals with narcissistic personality disorder use gaslighting to manipulate their victims. You can read my blog post on narcissism by clicking here.
Gaslighting can lead to emotional, psychological, and physical unrest. It may also be one sign of an abusive relationship. Always remember that toxic people should be avoided at all costs. Â
This post is meant to be a brief description of gaslighting. There is much more to learn about this tactic. If you want a more in-depth view, I suggest reading “The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life.” by Dr. Robin Stern.Â
My suggestion is to work on your personal development daily. Here are some ideas:
- Remind yourself that you deserve to be happy.
- Read at least a few pages in a positive motivational book daily.
- Start and end your day by being thankful for what you have.
- Consider starting a gratification journal.
- Exercise and eat healthy, whole foods.
- Spend as much time as possible with your happiness elements.
If you make a commitment to spend some time on yourself each day, it will pay off.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Â
Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP
Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.
Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click on, or make a purchase through a third-party link.
