Are you feeling on edge? Experiencing feelings of fear, anxiety, agitation or impending dread can be a normal response to stressful or uncertain situations. For example, if your company announces upcoming layoffs, it’s normal to feel on edge regarding the security of your job. Feeling anxious for no reason is different.
This type of anxiety can have a negative impact on your life if left untreated. It’s important to identify underlying issues that may be triggering these feelings. This article takes a closer look at the signs and triggers of feeling on edge and provides tips for calming your body and mind.
Identifying Symptoms of Anxiety and Stress
You may display a wide range of symptoms when experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress. While everyone reacts differently, the most common signs of feeling on edge include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Restlessness
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling jittery
- Nervousness
- Racing thoughts
- Being easily startled
- Irritability
- Sudden mood shifts
- Nausea
Experiencing just one or two of these symptoms for a short period may not be an issue. Having multiple symptoms long-term may be a sign of a health or mental health issue, such as hyperthyroidism or general anxiety disorder (GAD).
Common Triggers for Feeling Anxious for No Reason
Two of the most common factors triggering anxiety and leaving you feeling on edge are stressful situations, including lifestyle changes or the loss of a loved one, and the unknown, such as awaiting an upcoming court hearing.
There also are numerous factors triggering this feeling that are a little less noticeable, such as:
- Disruption in sleep patterns
- Poor diet
- Isolation
- Sensory overload
- Hormonal imbalance
- Medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease
- Mental health disorders, such as GAD and PTSD
- Substance withdrawal
The Role of Hormones and Neurotransmitters
Have you ever wondered, “Why am I so anxious for no reason?” If so, you’re not alone. Studies show that 40 million American adults have some type of anxiety disorder.
If you’re struggling to pinpoint a reason for your high anxiety or agitation, it may be due to neurotransmitters in your body. Research shows a direct link to an imbalance in various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, GABA, epinephrine, endorphins and dopamine, and anxiety. For example, GABA neurotransmitters help regulate your mood. Any significant fluctuations in these levels can spur mood swings.
Hormones can also play a vital role in regulating your anxiety and stress. For instance, low levels of estrogen or testosterone can lead to depression and anxiety. Women, in particular, can experience a hormone imbalance during certain periods, including postpartum, premenstrual and menopause. Overproduction of the thyroid hormone, which occurs with hyperthyroidism, can also increase your anxiety level.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
In addition to chemical imbalances in your body, environmental and lifestyle factors can also make you feel on edge. Childhood experiences are a prime example. Stressful situations and trauma you experienced during your childhood, such as a death of a loved one, a parent’s divorce and abusive situations, can still impact you today.
Feeling on edge can also be dependent on your specific environment. Too much sensory stimulation, such as loud sounds, flashing lights and certain smells, can cause anxiety and feelings of agitation. While this can be short-term, the effects can linger, especially if you’re continuously exposed to this environment.
Social circumstances, including long-term isolation, relationship conflicts and workplace issues, can also contribute to stress.
Techniques to Calm Your Mind and Body
How can you stop feeling anxious for no reason? The good news is that there are techniques and tactics you can use to help calm your mind and body and minimize the impact of anxiety. Below is a look at the most common techniques proven to be effective. It’s important to try as many strategies as possible to determine which ones work best for you.
- Exercise program. Any type of exercise, including walking, cycling and yoga, can increase your serotonin and help minimize anxiety.
- Balanced diet. Maintaining a well-balanced diet can help regulate GABA transmitters in your body to avoid sudden mood swings.
- Professional therapy. A professional counselor can help you identify triggers causing your anxiety and teach you techniques to calm your mind.
- Relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation, can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Doctor visit. You should consider making an appointment with your doctor to ensure a medical condition isn’t contributing to your anxiety.
- New hobbies. Developing a hobby that emphasizes your creativity, such as music or art, provides a tool for expressing your emotions and effectively dealing with your stress.
- Medication. If a chemical imbalance in your body contributes to your feeling on edge, medication to help improve these levels may prove effective. It’s important to talk to your health care professional about the effectiveness and side effects of any of the medications prior to use.
- Join a support group. A support group can help you connect with others who share similar experiences. This is especially important for those dealing with social conflict and isolation.
Seek Professional Services Today
You don’t have to continue feeling on edge day in and day out. Instead, reach out for professional therapy today. By learning the right techniques to calm your body and mind, you can reduce your anxiety level and significantly improve your quality of life.
