What’s causing YOUR ANXIETY?

Feel calmer and more in control with these simple lifestyle changes

- DR ELLEN VORA

You’ve no doubt heard the old adage that a healthy body is a healthy mind. Well, doctors and therapists increasingly agree with that statement. Certain seemingly mundane aspects of modern life – such as blood sugar swings, inflammation and chronic sleep deprivation – can cause a physical imbalance that manifests as anxiety. Here are some common culprits that may be contributing to your anxiety.

1 Stop endless scrolling

We are living in the attention economy. That is, our attention is what news outlets and social media companies are competing for. They know that if they present us with uncertainty, controversy, fear or something rewarding, we’ll stay glued. But all of that leaves us strung out and anxious. While the companies get more clicks and better ad revenue, the collateral damage is our mental health.

DO IT Keep your bedroom as a phone-free sanctuary. This will prevent late-night doom-scrolling, and the added impact the phone can have on our circadian rhythm and ability to get sleepy at night. If you can also not bring your phone to the dining table, it’s another step to protect your mental health.

2 COUNT NUTRIENTS, NOT CALORIES