Household noises
The hum of fluorescent lights, a refrigerator motor winding up, a doorbell, or even a dog barking next door can prompt anxiety – though you might not be aware of it. “Notice those things that bother you and work to cut them down or out. Fluorescent lights can be turned off and replaced with softer – or brighter – lights, whichever reduces your anxiety. If the doorbell gives you goosebumps or uneasiness, says Schroeder, he recommends a door bell that alerts your phone, instead of chiming, when someone’s at the door.”
The bathroom scales
Few people look forward to getting on the scales but for some, it can be a tremendous source of shame, says Schroeder. The numbers on the scales may dictate your day in a negative way without you being conscious of it. “I often suggest that clients get rid of their scales; the most important thing is how they feel and how their clothes feel when they wear them.” If your waistline is causing you concern, here are some diets you should avoid.
Smell
Scent can rouse a strong emotional reaction. Sometimes they are calming or pleasant; other times, they’re jarring. According to a 2018 study, people with anxiety have a better sense of smell when it comes to detecting a hazardous threat. Allen recalls a client who could smell burnt popcorn three days after it was made. That correlates with research findings indicating that, during a state of anxiety, there is a stronger connection between the emotional and sensory parts of the brain in response to negative odours. Here are some household odours that signal danger – and should never be ignored.