6 Things You Do That Make Your Anxiety Worse

You don’t follow a daily routine

According to Rachel Goldman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the NYU School of Medicine, people who don’t have a daily routine are more likely to develop stress and anxiety or worsen their existing symptoms. The explanation is that when you have something to do that can keep you focused for a long period of time, you tend to pay less attention to your everyday problems and anxiety triggers. 

Of course, you should think about your problems if you want to accept and then overcome them, but don’t do the same when there is no real danger or when these problems aren’t actually serious.  

Having a daily routine can make you more efficient and productive. When you follow a strict routine, you will eliminate the need to plan your activities every morning and focusing on your negative thoughts. 

You don’t face your triggers

If you know exactly what causes you anxiety and stress, but you avoid dealing with this situation that makes you feel panicked and insecure all the time, you are actually making a big mistake. According to medical experts, people who have an anxiety disorder should face their triggers, if they want to solve this problem forever. Avoidance is one of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to relieving anxiety and stress. 

“The problem with avoidance is that it is reinforced in the moment. When you make the decision not to try, you start to feel relief and your body calms down. But avoidance makes anxiety worse in the long run because you never learn that the feared result won’t happen,” said Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and life coach.