Anxiety is a normal human emotion, and can aid humans in acting in potentially dangerous or life-threatening situations. However, in people with anxiety disorders, it is a persistent feeling that may affect day-to-day life, relationships and work.

Anxiety activates the autonomic nervous system – your fight or flight response. Ideally, feelings of anxiety should have an on/off switch. The sympathetic and autonomic nervous systems should respond in conjunction with fear and anxiety, and the parasympathetic system can bring one back into a state of relaxation after the situation is over. In people with anxiety disorders, the sympathetic nervous system can malfunction and an individual can be stuck in a state of “red alert.” Sources from which relief can be obtained and help the individual to control anxiety are correct breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, stress management, regular exercise and diet.

Anxiety disorders are serious illnesses and should be treated that way. There are also several lifestyle changes you can make that may help in aiding the recovery of these illnesses:

1. Getting adequate sleep
2. Eating a healthy diet
3. Getting adequate amounts of sunlight
4. Exercising regularly

These tactics may seem simple and routine, however they can be seriously beneficial for not only people suffering from anxiety disorders, but everyone in general.