3 tips for combating anxiety

Unfortunately, there are many people today who suffer from anxiety or anxiety disorders and life during the pandemic is also contributing to the fact that more and more people are affected. With this article, we simply want to provide some initial guidance and show how symptoms can be alleviated. In principle, however, those affected should not be afraid to ask their doctor for advice and help.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress or a difficult situation. It is usually triggered by a specific stress factor. Sometimes, however, it can come out of nowhere and result in a disproportionate emotional reaction. It can interfere with the normal functioning of the body, resulting in physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating and light-headedness. These symptoms are often uncontrollable and frequently cause social withdrawal and avoidance behavior.

Relaxation for anxiety

Relaxation has proven to be very successful in combating anxiety. However, finding the right method is often difficult, as each person is individual and therefore has their own experiences, feelings, thoughts and problems. For this reason, this article outlines three tried and tested methods that are repeatedly cited in studies.

Meditation

People have been meditating for as long as there have been people, and regardless of the form of meditation, meditation leads to the desired effect of deep relaxation and a journey inwards. Some people find this state of mind by praying, others by reciting mantras or simply by escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immersing themselves in nature.

Nowadays, meditation focuses primarily on an inward journey that allows our minds to switch off from our hectic, digital technology-filled lives and find peace of mind, body and soul. It requires a certain amount of practice and perseverance, as well as regularity. It's like sport, you have to train to get better at it. However, for some it can be a challenge to remain in silence.

Positive effects of meditation

• Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations.
• Development of stress management skills.
• Increasing self-awareness.
• Focusing on the present.
• Reduction of negative emotions.
• Increasing imagination and creativity.
• Developing patience and tolerance.

Yoga

Yoga is all the rage at the moment. With easy access to tutorials and lessons, it can be practiced anywhere in the world. The beauty of yoga is that you don't have to be a yogi or yogini to reap the benefits. Whether young or old, overweight or fit, yoga has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body. Don't be intimidated by yoga terms, fancy yoga studios or complicated poses. Yoga is for everyone.

By practicing yoga, you can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga involves breathing exercises where you focus only on your breath. Deep breathing can help you to relax almost instantly, which in turn can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Reduce back pain. After practicing yoga for several months, chronic back pain can be relieved, your daily life will function better, and your quality of life will improve.
• Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility. Slow movements and deep breathing increase circulation and warm up the muscles, while holding a pose helps build strength.

Artistic and craft activities

Art has been used as a form of self-expression for centuries. Endless hours of painting, sewing or embroidery were sometimes the only way to be creative. In modern times, there are many modern forms of arts and crafts that can help minimize anxiety and stress.

It has been proven that craft activities lead to relaxation and create a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. This is an ideal combination of positive effects that are helpful in combating anxiety. Diamond Painting is one of these modern forms of arts and crafts.

Diamond Painting

Diamond painting is a new creative hobby. It is a mixture of painting by numbers and cross-stitching. On a canvas is a previously selected motif (you will find many different Diamond Painting images to choose from in our Diamond Painting Shop), and the canvas is now covered with shiny diamonds to complete the 5D Diamond Painting artwork. The process of watching a Diamond Painting grow stone by stone under your fingertips is truly beautiful and magical.

People who have already tried it report that Diamond Painting:

• is a good way to minimize anxiety and stress
• is an ideal way to escape from the hectic pace of everyday life
• is a great way to relax
• is a creative hobby that stimulates both imagination and brain function
• is a boost to artistic self-confidence
• gives a sense of fulfillment and happiness

Would you like to try Diamond Painting for relaxation and as creative occupational therapy for stress or anxiety? Then start your Diamond Painting journey today. As every Carat Art Diamond Painting set comes with everything you need to get started right away, your creative and relaxing break can begin as soon as your chosen Diamond Painting picture arrives. All you have to do is choose one of our beautiful Diamond Painting sets and you have everything you need to try out this relaxing hobby. If you like, you can also take a look at our detailed Diamond Painting instructions, step by step and with lots of pictures, to see how easy it is to transform your pre-printed Diamond Painting canvas into a fascinating diamond picture.