Limit Stimulants Like Caffeine

Why it helps: Caffeine, found in coffee, energy drinks, and even chocolate, is a stimulant that can ramp up the nervous system. For people with anxiety, this extra stimulation can lead to racing thoughts, a rapid heartbeat, and physical jitters, all of which mimic anxiety symptoms and make it harder to calm down. Cutting back on caffeine (or switching to herbal teas) allows your nervous system to remain more balanced, reducing unnecessary anxiety triggers. It can take a few days to feel the full effect, but many people notice they feel more steady and less on-edge without caffeine.