A Simple Trick To Fight Anxiety Anytime, Anywhere

We can all agree that pandemic stress is real, and anxious thoughts are finding their way into our minds even more than usual these days—sometimes leading to health problems.

"Stress can really negatively affect our health in so many ways, but particularly our gut," gastroenterologist Dr. Roshini Raj says. "When we are under chronic stress, we release hormones, and one is called cortisol. Cortisol is a nasty hormone that can increase your propensity for weight gain, your risk for Type 2 diabetes. It can also cause a lot of digestive problems." 

Needless to say, finding ways to get stress and anxiety under control before damage is done is really important. And here's Dr. Raj's trick.

"I visualize a bright red stop sign," she says. "That just stops that negative thought in its tracks and allows me to redirect to something more positive."

Another way to train your brain to be a bit calmer, Dr. Raj says, is by using stimulating apps, like Personal Zen. 

"It engages you in a game that trains your brain to be more positive," she explains. "You have to click on positive imagery and bright, shiny things. It doesn't sound like it would work, but it actually has been shown clinically to help your brain go toward a more positive frame of mind, as opposed to a negative frame of mind."

The gastroenterologist also recommends drinking herbal teas with calming ingredients. See which types of tea she recommends + our editors picks here.