Being anxious is nobody’s idea of a good time and although some anxiety can be natural – when you’re doing something for the first time, for example – if you feel anxious more often than not, it could be a problem that you need to find a solution for to live a happy and healthy life.
Of course, if anxiety is causing you issues, you should see a medical professional who can help you to work through your issues and maybe even get some medication to reduce your symptoms, but in the meantime, you might also want to look at these surprising, but surprisingly common, causes of anxiety too.
The Sneaky Stimulant: Caffeine
Let’s start with our morning best friend and worst enemy: caffeine. That heavenly brew that resurrects us each morning can also be the puppet master of palpitations. Sure, a cup of coffee might seem like your ally in the battle against the snooze button, but it’s also firing up those jittery feelings. Next time you’re on your fifth cup by noon, remember, you’re possibly brewing a pot of anxiety!
The Digital Frenemy: Social Media
Ah, social media, where everyone’s life looks like a series of perfectly curated movie scenes. While you’re sitting in yesterday’s pyjamas, someone else is posting a sunrise yoga pose from a picturesque beach. Social media isn’t just about staying connected; it’s often about comparing our blooper reels with everyone else’s highlight clips, which can sneakily feed our anxiety without us even noticing.
Whispering Ghost: Poor Hearing
Here’s one you might not have tuned into: poor hearing or hearing loss. Imagine the strain of trying to catch every word in a conversation, the constant fear of misunderstanding instructions, or the embarrassment of responding inappropriately. It’s like everyone else got the script for the play, and you’re just winging it. This ongoing stress can amplify anxiety, making social situations a stage for panic rather than pleasure, which is why you should see an audiologist sooner, rather than later, and why you should look into overcoming hearing aid fitting challenges if you are unsure about hearing aids and how they may affect your life, too.
The Quest for Perfection
Trying to be a Photoshop version of yourself, in reality, is a one-way ticket to Tension Town. Whether it’s at work, in parenting, or in our Pinterest-worthy home decor, striving for perfection is like chasing a train you’re never meant to catch. It’s exhausting, and frankly, it’s the perfect recipe for a dollop of anxiety with a side of dissatisfaction.
Gut Feelings Gone Wild
Ever thought your stomach could be stirring up more than just that dodgy takeout? There’s a whole party happening in our guts – the microbiome – and if the guests are unhappy, they’re sure to crash the brain’s party too. Poor gut health can contribute to feeling anxious, and before you know it, it’s not just your stomach in knots, but your nerves too.
The Chaos of Clutter
Last on our list, but certainly the sneakiest: clutter. Yes, that pile of unsorted mail, those clothes that somehow escape the wardrobe, and the dishes that love playing tower defence in the sink. Clutter isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a visual cacophony that whispers constant reminders of uncompleted tasks. Clearing up your space can surprisingly be like a deep breath for your brain.
Anxious and have any of the above in your life regularly? You might want to see what you can do to remove these triggers from your life!