Addiction recovery can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, many women lack the support systems they need during recovery. Stress and anxiety are common for women in every stage of recovery. For some, this can trigger drug or alcohol cravings or relapse. A women’s anxiety treatment center is a great way to cope with stress and anxiety throughout recovery.

If you or a woman in your life is struggling with anxiety during recovery, The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® can help. Our long-term holistic treatment center provides women with the sanctuary they need for healing. Call us now at 855.773.0614 to learn more about our women’s anxiety treatment center and other programs.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotional, physical, and mental state. When anxiety is triggered, the brain and body go into a fight, flight, or freeze state. Also known as dysregulation, this state can cause some people to freeze and shut down. Others might become aggressive or exhibit high levels of energy. Fight, flight, or freeze state is a normal, built-in reaction to life-threatening harm. Unfortunately, when anxiety is triggered, the brain and body perceive a danger that is not there. Signs of anxiety include:

• Nervousness
• Muscle tension
• Tension headaches
• Sense of impending danger
• Palpitations
• Hyperventilation
• Trouble with breathing

Once the nervous system is dysregulated, it’s hard to destress and calm down. Anxiety can build slowly from prolonged stress or come on quickly.

Coping with Stress and Anxiety During Recovery

Anxiety can be overwhelming and exhausting. During recovery, women experience a spectrum of thoughts, emotions, and life changes. This can also be overwhelming. Here are some ways to cope with stress and anxiety during recovery:

1. Reduce Caffeine and Nicotine Intake

Caffeine and nicotine can make anxiety worse by releasing adrenaline. Because caffeine is dehydrating, it can cause an electrolyte imbalance that can mimic anxiety and dysregulation of the nervous system. Nicotine has a similar effect.

2. Turn Off the Television

No matter the kind of show, television, movies, and radio can trigger stress and anxiety. You may not notice at the moment, but over time, dysregulation from the media can lead to anxiety attacks and long-term stress.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness is the practice of present moment awareness. Anxiety and stress exist in the past and future. Therefore, present moment awareness can stop anxiety and stress in its tracks. Sitting, walking, standing, and lying down meditations or yoga can also reduce stress and increase mind-body awareness. Consider outdoor meditation to increase feelings of calmness and Vitamin D levels to reduce stress and anxiety.

4. Journal

Whether or not you consider yourself a wordsmith, journaling can reduce stress and anxiety. Your brain can let them go by putting difficult feelings and worries on paper. This strategy can also help you track your mood and anxiety levels over time.

5. Focus on Nutrition and Sleep

Well-balanced nutrition can reduce stress and anxiety. Good sleep hygiene and quality sleep can help the nervous system reset and increase stress tolerance. Food intolerances, allergies, and nutrient deficiencies can increase stress and anxiety, so talk to a nutritionist for added support. Sometimes, hunger can trigger anxiety and stress, so stay well-fed and rested.

These are the first few steps to destress and reduce anxiety during recovery. The key to stress and anxiety is returning to the present moment and attending to your physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

Treat Anxiety Today at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®

If you or a woman in your life needs support for anxiety and stress during recovery, the team at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® can help. Our long-term programs provide a continuum of care. We provide women with the time, space, and resources they need to heal with a holistic approach to recovery. With programs for addiction and co-occurring disorders, our trauma-informed therapy programs are here to help you. Reach us now at 855.773.0614 to learn about The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®.