35 Hacks For Reducing Anxiety That Reddit Swears By

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that spending time outdoors can be good for your mental health. As challenging as it might feel, try to get outdoors for a little while, and see how it feels.

Although we think of fitness as something we do for our bodies, science says it's good for your mind, too. In fact, research published in The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychology notes that exercise can help you sleep better, reduce stress, give you energy, and improve your mood. It doesn't have to be a full-blown workout; even a quick stroll will make a difference.

This is such a good point. Many of us spend so much of our time doing things we really hate. Clear some of that time for the stuff you love.

Mental Health America notes that meditation is particularly effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

It's simple but powerful advice: Sleep it off. Sometimes, all you need is to close your eyes for a bit.

Maybe add some candles, bath salts, essential oils... some soothing music, a good book... You deserve a little "you" time, don't you think?

You might very well be able to calm yourself down by listening to the right music. The University of Nevada, Reno suggests music of around 60 beats per minute. This helps you relax.

Is there anything more comforting and soothing than a nice cup of tea?

Something about getting behind the wheel and taking off — even when you have no idea where you're going — is oddly calming. Open the windows and let the breeze hit you.

This is a grounding technique that can help take you from a moment of chaos to a moment of calm. Give it a shot.

Yes. Oh yes. Hop on YouTube and search through the endless ASMR videos for the very best in relaxation. Prepare to get the tingles hardcore.

It's impossible to feel anything but fantastic when you watch a classic like Dumb and Dumber. What movie tickles your funny bone? Grab some popcorn and enjoy the couch time.

Science agrees pets are good for your mental health. Research in Anthrozoos notes that interacting with a therapy dog can fight stress. Other research in Psychogeriatrics explains that companion dogs can improve levels of anxiety and depression.

Don't underestimate the power of being in the moment. Whether you're washing the dishes or taking a shower, really pay attention to what you're doing, how it feels, what it looks like, smells like, and let it sink in.

Spending time in the kitchen can be super therapeutic. I'm also referring to all the eating you get to do once the baking is done.

Whether it's journaling or working on a book or blogging or something else entirely, putting a pen to paper can be a lifesaver when you're struggling with anxiety or stress.

If you need to check out for a bit, there's nothing like a couple games of Donkey Kong or Mario Kart.

There might be a benefit to laughing, even if you have to force it a little. Research published in The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine says that laughing helps the release of endorphins. As a result, it can help you when you're feeling stressed or depressed.

That herb garden is going to look so amazing in your backyard. As an added bonus, research in the Journal of Health Psychology says that gardening can help fight acute stress.

Is your mind swirling with thoughts? Get them out of your head by talking them out — with yourself.

It can make a world of difference just to hear the words, "Everything is going to be okay." Sometimes, we need to know we're not alone, and we'll get past this, too.

Sometimes there is nothing quite as cathartic as a good cry.

There's something satisfying and rewarding about taking a messy home and making it sparkle. Plus, according to a study published in Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin, clutter can increase stress levels.

Crocheting (and knitting!) forces you to concentrate and use your hands, and at the same time, it's mindless. It's easy to get lost in it for hours.

Reading helps some people because it's an escape. For others, it's a useful way to keep their minds busy. Find a page-turner and dive right in.

This isn't American Idol, and nobody cares if you can't carry a tune. Belt one out and you might feel better.

When anxiety takes hold of you and won't let go, throwing yourself into social situations can be the distraction you need.

Keeping your emotions bottled up can make you feel isolated and alone, when the truth is, plenty of people around you are also experiencing stress and anxiety. Let it all out, friend — odds are others will relate.

There's nowhere I'd rather be than facedown on a massage table with drool coming out of my mouth.

Getting lost can be the best therapy. Wandering aimlessly around a store with no real goal in mind can work wonders.

Proponents agree that weighted blankets can seriously help ease your anxiety. Plus, they just feel really nice and relaxing.

Research in The West Indian Medical Journal says that yoga can help make us more resilient to stressful situations. Namaste.

Anxiety can make you feel like the world is on your shoulders. Make life feel more manageable by splitting it up into tiny time blocks. Simple.

There's nothing like a big cup of coffee, but if you're dealing with stress or anxiety, it might not do much to help you.

A few deep breaths plus counting can be all you need to get your mind to calm down enough so you can start functioning again.