19 Everyday Things That Could Trigger Anxiety
Updated: May 06, 2019
If you feel nervous, worried, and even panicked for no reason, these surprising everyday habits could be to blame.
Dealing with anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental disorders in Canada, affecting one in four Canadians—25 percent of the population—in their lifetime, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada. We all get anxious over certain circumstances (say, a big presentation at work), but if you’re experiencing feelings of nervousness or unease for no apparent reason, one of these subtle, everyday triggers might be to blame. Here’s what you need to know about managing those triggers and preventing your feelings from escalating.
You drank too much coffee
“We think nothing of that extra cup of coffee, but caffeine makes the body nervous and jittery and triggers the fight or flight response,” explains Nikki Martinez, PsyD. Overdoing it on the lattés and espressos has been shown to produce symptoms that are indistinguishable from an anxiety disorder, according to a study from the British Journal of Psychiatry. Anxiety symptoms are just one of the 7 signs that can reveal whether you’re drinking too much coffee.
You’re getting breaking news alerts all day long
“Our 24/7 news is terrible for our country’s stress level,” says Dr. Salcedo. Most of the stories are focused on violence, war, and anger, often leaving the audience feeling rattled. But that doesn’t mean you need to tune out entirely to what’s going on in the world. Rather, Dr. Salcedo recommends checking in on the news just once a day.
You’re hungover
A pounding headache and nausea aren’t the only after-effects of drinking too much. Excess alcohol is one of the main triggers of anxiety, according to research from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, as heavy drinking can rewire the brain and make you more susceptible to anxiety disorders. Alcohol is also known to disrupt your sleep, and sleep deprivation can boost your anxiety levels, according to research from UC Berkeley.
You’ve taken medicine
If you’re sick and wondering to yourself, “Why do I feel anxious?” look no further than that over-the-counter medication on your nightstand. “It’s important to read ingredients,” says neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez, PsyD. “Things like acetaminophen, doxylamine succinate, which is a sedating antihistamine, and dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, all can trigger anxiety and a general on-edge feeling.”
You’re thirsty
If you’re not drinking enough water, you’re going to have more than just a parched mouth. Even mild dehydration can trigger disturbances in mood, according to a study in the Journal of Nutrition. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking water at meals and throughout the day to prevent feeling off-balanced. Dehydration can also worsen depression and other mental health issues.
Currently dealing with anxiety? Here’s more on how to manage your triggers.
Your blood sugar is low
We’ve all heard that you can get “hangry” from not eating (that’s an unfortunate blend of hungry and angry), but you can also feel anxious as well. “People who are under stress and have anxiety often feel that their appetite shuts down,” says Dr. Hafeez. “However, skipping meals leads to a drop in blood sugar, which only keeps the anxious feelings going. It creates a vicious cycle.” Keep in mind, these sneaky foods can help increase your blood sugar.
Your diet is unbalanced
Falling down on the job of getting all your nutrients, especially B vitamins, can wreak havoc on your mood and make you feel anxiety for seemingly no reason. “Studies have shown that diets lacking in beef, pork, chicken, leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and eggs can lead to depression,” says Hafeez. “People who suddenly drop these foods out of their diets can feel anxious and irritable.” If you’re dealing with anxiety, here are several natural remedies to help you relax.
You’re always plugged in
Facebook and Instagram can be fun, but spending too much time on online social networks can become a source of your anxiety. A study from the non-profit Anxiety UK found that a majority of social-media users negatively compare themselves to others, get stressed when social media isn’t available, and even have difficulties sleeping after browsing social media.
It’s Sunday night
Of all the anxiety causes, it wouldn’t quite seem like the day of the week would matter, but that dreaded end of the weekend can impact our well-being. “It’s common for people to feel anxious or get the ‘Sunday Blues’ as the weekend winds down in anticipation of the work week ahead,” Dr. Hafeez says. “When your mind begins to focus on reports, kids’ activities, and the long list of to-do’s, it’s easy to slip into an anxious state of mind.”
You’re overheated
Intense heat can make anyone irritable. It dehydrates you, drains your energy, and destroys your ability to focus. Sweltering temperatures can also speed up your breathing and your heart rate—symptoms that are reminiscent of a panic attack, says psychiatrist Beth Salcedo, MD. And once your body notices these physiological symptoms, you may start feeling anxious and experience actual panic. If that happens, learn how this woman conquered her panic attacks.
You’re eating on the go
Between work, family, friends, and never-ending to-do lists, the demands in your life keep you busy all day long. But while those protein bars you’re chowing on might seem like convenient time-savers, they could actually be bringing you down. “When we eat without proper chewing and relaxing, our digestive system has trouble working properly, and the sensation of tightness in the belly or indigestion can create feelings of anxiety,” Amanda Malachesky, a functional nutrition practitioner and founder of Confluence Nutrition, tells Bustle. So even if you can’t squeeze in a real sit-down meal, do your best to eat slowly and truly savour your food.
You skipped the gym
We’ve all been there. Missing an occasional exercise session is nothing to panic about, but if you regularly struggle to stick to a schedule, it could be messing with your mood. After all, physical activity boosts mental health in a variety of ways, including potentially warding off symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to research. Here’s three surprising benefits of having anxiety you should know about.
You’ve committed to more than you can handle
Tonight you’ve got to prepare for a big project at work, pick up the kids from soccer, clean the house from top to bottom, and make cookies for the school bake sale. Sound familiar? “Overscheduling yourself typically leads to excessive stress, which is a setup for anxiety,” Dr. Salcedo says. Try to be honest with yourself (and others) about what you can realistically handle and how much time you’ll need to get it done.
You’re spending too much time alone
A little “me time” is a good thing—but make sure you’re getting in some breaks with loved ones too. “I always say anxiety loves to fill up an empty room,” Dr. Salcedo says. “If you’re unoccupied, your anxiety has space to grow.” If being alone makes you feel uneasy, distract yourself by making plans with a friend. Plus, these medical conditions could make your anxiety worse.
You’ve been inside for too long
Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, it’s good to get a little fresh air once in a while. In fact, a series of experiments from the University of Rochester found that spending time in nature can boost your physical and mental energy by almost 40 percent, while spending time inside has the opposite effect.
You’re always the last to arrive
Are you that person who’s always texting to say they’re 15 minutes late? Not planning enough time to get to your destination can take a serious toll on your mental health. “People who chronically run late are often scattered and anxious as a result,” Dr. Salcedo says. Try this: Plan to be everywhere 15 minutes early, whether you’re catching a train or visiting a friend.
You’re not getting enough sleep
It’s an endless cycle: Stress and anxiety can cause sleeping problems, but a lack of sleep can also cause anxiety, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Plus if insomnia becomes chronic, it can increase a person’s risk of developing depression or anxiety disorders, according to experts at Harvard Medical School. Some options to help calm your brain before going to bed include reading a book, meditating for a few minutes, or writing down your to-do list for the next day. If all else fails and you’re still struggling to sleep, these habits may be to blame.
You live in a city
Sure, loud noises and pushy crowds can leave you stressed. But even if you aren’t bothered by the chaos of urban life, the air you breathe could still be to blame for your increased stress or discomfort. In a study published in British Medical Journal, researchers looked at more than 71,000 women and found that those who were living 50 to 200 meters from a major roadway were more likely to experience anxiety than those who lived more than 200 meters away—and they speculate that air pollution was to blame.
Your home is messy
A messy home can seem like no big deal, but it might actually be a sneaky source of your anxiety. Mess causes stress, according to an article in Psychology Today, as it can leave you drained, unable to focus, and unable to relax, all of which can add up to anxiety. Our environment is important for our mental state, so keep your place organized and tidy to avoid any unnecessary tension. Don’t miss these tips on how to declutter your home without throwing anything away.
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