by MARSHALL BONE
Imagine waiting for the result of an exam you wrote or a response for an interview for a job and suddenly you feel goosebumps on your skin. You may also start experiencing sweat dripping all over your body. That feeling is nothing more than you experiencing anxiety.
Anxiety is a natural human emotion that cannot be undermined. This can be caused as a result of various factors such as stress, threat and uncertainty of a future outcome.
While it is a natural response, there are ways or hacks you can try to help manage your feelings. These hacks are basic things you would never have imagined could work in helping you to subdue your anxiety levels.
Bizarre Anxiety Hacks You’ve Probably Never Tried
Come along as we explain some of these hacks below.
Cold Water Splash
This hack has been known to create an almost immediate calming effect when used. A quick cold water splash on the face in the bathroom, or using an ice pack or a cold towel on your face can bring about a calming effect.
According to Healthline, exposing the face or other parts of the body to cold water helps to increase blood circulation and reduce body temperature.
Mushroom Chocolates
Chocolate accounts for one of the most consumed foods in the world. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, dark chocolates are rich in antioxidants that help improve blood circulation.
Mushrooms are also known to possess a variety of health benefits. Mushroom chocolates are not only tasty but they have great potential benefits such as improving cognitive function of the body, reducing stress and enhancing overall wellbeing.
Nicotine Pouches
If you are familiar with tobacco, then you would know the component nicotine. This is a very active chemical compound which is addictive but also serves as a stimulant for the body. 
When you use nicotine pouches it can help you to improve your memory retention and makes you very alert and attentive. Nic salt pouches may also help to calm your nerves and reduce anxiety.
Eat Something Strong or Spicy
Do you remember the last time you ate spicy spaghetti or chewed a minty gum? That tingly feeling is a process where your body releases stress and anxiety reduction mechanisms known as endorphins.
Consuming minty or strong flavored foods will help you to shift focus away from the situation you are anxious about and helps you relax and feel less tense.
Caution is important when eating these types of foods. Take them in small quantities because too much spicy or strong flavoured foods may be harmful to your body.
Listening to Music or Watching Videos
In that moment when you feel super anxious and on the edge, bring out your phone, plug in your headphones and play some music.
You can also watch some videos, whether inspirational, comedy or other videos and visuals that can help to calm your nerves.
This hack helps you to remove your mind from your current situation causing anxiety and ultimately helps you relax. However, it is not a long-lasting remedy.
Aromatherapy
Nature plays a very important role in helping to safeguard our bodies and minds. Aromatherapy is when you inhale natural oils and scents as herbal solutions for stress relief and mood enhancement.
Oils absorbed from plants like lavender, peppermint and citrus also have essential health benefits to promote relaxation of the mind and body and reduce stress.
Try the Box Breathing Technique
Technically, you are already breathing as a normal human being should do in order to live, right? However, when you are feeling anxious, you might want to try out the box breathing technique.
This method involves you slowly inhaling and exhaling, then holding your breath. Here’s what this would look like if you set a pace of 4 seconds: exhale for 4 seconds, then inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, exhale again for 4 seconds, and hold again for 4 seconds. You can repeat this cycle as much as needed.
As you repeat the process of breathing in and out, your focus will ultimately shift away from what is troubling you. You will also start to feel your body calming and there will be an increase in your blood circulation to make you feel better.
Try These Bizarre Hacks
Anxiety is one of the leading causes of emotional and mental breakdown. While one easy and effective way to manage anxiety and stress is by seeking medical attention, doing the littlest things can bring about some added relief.
Trying these 7 bizarre anxiety hacks can give you the necessary relief from anxiety and also improve your overall well-being.
Marshall Bone is a writer, copy strategist and all-around stylish guy who has been following trends in GQ for more than two decades. Voted best-dressed both his junior and senior year, Bone has continued this legacy and can be found covering various topics from men’s fashion to self care and grooming. He enjoys reading and is based in the greater Los Angeles area.
