Most of us are familiar with anxiety, a psychiatric condition involving fear and stress. Many people experience tremors or shaking of hands induced due to anxiety. Let’s find out what triggers these Anxiety-Induced Tremors and how to stop shaking from anxiety.
Anxiety shaking triggers- Anxiety-Induced Tremors
Shaking from anxiety usually happens due to psychological fear initiated by one’s brain. The body perceives this as a threat, and a nervous response starts. This stimulates adrenaline production, which results in a fight-or-flight response. Hence, the person experiences shaking or tremors due to anxiety. The shaking symptom of anxiety is not typically evident, and it typically occurs due to short or long-term psychological triggers such as:
- Exams
- Writing in front of someone
- Drinking water
- Attending social gatherings
- Presentation in front of the crowd
- Past trauma
- Freaking out due to insects
- On-stage performances
- Eating with a fork or spoon or in front of others
- Being aware of the onset of anxiety shaking
Effective Ways to Manage Anxiety-Induced Shaking
The first step is to acknowledge that you are suffering from shaking due to anxiety. You could also seek professional help to recognize the reasons behind these triggers. You can then adopt lifestyle changes or seek help through therapies, medications, or natural substances.
Lifestyle modifications
Since anxiety shaking results from a nervous response to the stimulus, it is essential to manage the health of your nervous system. The more you practice the following ways in routine, the more you will be able to get rid of anxiety. When your nerves are relaxed, your mind will not perceive simple situations as a threat.
Improper sleep patterns or sleep deprivation majorly affects your nervous system, resulting in shaking upon feeling anxious. Managing a proper sleep routine will help relieve shaking. Environment change or going on vacations is also beneficial to do away with the stress that causes anxiety.
Different surroundings away from usual can help you relax and keep your nerves calm. Adopting healthy eating habits is beneficial for anxiety patients. It is recommended to limit alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine if you are dealing with anxiety and shaking.
Practice meditation
Stress is a significant factor that triggers anxiety. Try to develop solutions to minimize or reduce stressors. While your treatment is occurring, avoid events that may induce anxiety, such as large social gatherings.
Practicing mindfulness and meditation effectively helps prevent shaking by keeping you more calm. Make it a routine to meditate early in the morning or before you go to bed at night; these are the best times to clear your mind of anxious thoughts. Incorporating breathing exercises in your routine will also help to keep yourself calm and relaxed.
Doing breathing exercises in fresh, open-air environments is a great way to manage anxiety shaking. Yoga provides ultimate relaxation to your mind and body. It strengthens the nerves and prevents anxiety-induced shaking. Another way to eliminate anxiety is exercise. Exercising regularly will provide strength and burn away excess adrenaline that accelerates shaking in an anxious state.
Psychotherapies
These therapies can help you effectively control anxiety-induced shaking by identifying the causes:
- CBT (Congenital behavioral therapy)
- EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy
Although they do not possess any side effects, they are not beneficial for treating severe anxiety disorders.
Drug treatment
Acute anxiety attacks resulting in shaking can be treated with the help of drugs prescribed by licensed professionals. These medications will make your nerves calm but carry potential side effects. The FDA has strict regulations regarding these drugs. Anti-anxiety medications include:
- Benzodiazepines or beta-blockers for short-term relief.
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) for long-term anxiety and depression treatments.
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) for panic and anxiety disorders.
Natural treatments
Several herbal treatments may help with anxiety and associated shaking. Ginkgo Biloba, Valerian root, and various other plant-derived medicines are used worldwide for anxiety disorders.
CBD
Cannabis plants contain CBD (cannabidiol), a compound that has purported anti-anxiety properties. Detailed studies show that CBD effectively treats mild to extreme anxiety disorders. CBD plays a vital role in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, the low levels of which are responsible for anxiety tremors.
While psychotherapies, anti-anxiety drugs, and healthy practices take time to cure anxiety shaking. CBD can be a potential solution to subside the shaking and tremors. Various CBD products like tinctures, capsules, lotion, and creams have different applications and effective absorption times.
Since anxiety tremors and shaking require immediate treatment, vaping CBD can provide relaxation within 30 to 60 seconds.
Endnote
Anxiety shaking or tremor is a common disorder that aggravates over time if left untreated. Hence, we have jotted down the most effective ways for you to manage, control and overcome this problem. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking psychotherapies and medications can help you stop shaking from anxiety. With the proper steps and modifications in lifestyle, you will be able to manage anxiety-induced tremors much more easily.
