Why do I feel anxious all the time?

Shortness of breath, mild paranoia, restlessness, and the inability to concentrate or sleep can be symptoms of feeling anxious all the time. But why are you feeling this way? Read on to find out why you may be suffering from anxiety.

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada, anxiety is the most common mental health concern in the country. This does not mean, however, that experiencing these symptoms automatically classifies you as having an anxiety disorder. It’s important to recognize the difference between clinical anxiety, and what is simply a reoccurring anxious feeling.

If you are experiencing anxious feelings all the time, these could be a few contributing factors:

Lack of sleep can play a large role in these feelings. Try to get a good night’s rest each and every time you hit the hay -- between seven to eight hours a night is recommended. A well-rested body makes way for a strong mind, which is more capable of clear thinking and sensible reasoning. In doing this, you limit your tendency to catastrophize, which will almost always guide the body into panic mode or feelings and sensations aligned with anxiety.

Staying active is a great way to combat feelings of anxiety. If you’re not exercising enough, you are not expending all of the energy the body naturally has. This creates a feeling of physical restlessness, which can often evolve into feelings of emotional restlessness, a major trigger of anxiety. By dedicating at least 20 minutes a day to physical activity, you can significantly decrease these feelings.

Life’s tough. Work, school, family obligations, relationship strain - all of these play a large part in feelings of anxiousness. And they can manifest themselves in many physical ways; tightness in the chest, trouble focusing, dark or troubling thoughts, etc. Although the stresses of life are unavoidable, take time to put things into perspective. Embrace quiet moments to breathe and recognize these physical sensations for what they are: a natural reaction to the activity in your life. By doing this, you can ease the feelings of anxiety, and begin to conquer whatever it is that’s causing them.

If integrating these practices into your life still does not appear to erase anxious feelings, speak to your physician. There are many effective treatments for clinical anxiety that can help you live a lighter, less stressful life. Help is readily available for those who are struggling with feelings of anxiety. It’s just a matter of recognizing the signs, and reaching out to the appropriate professionals for help.