“Anxiety is a complex mind-body experience involving both emotional and physical responses.

This increases physical tension and contributes to shaking and trembling.

What Causes Anxiety Shaking?

Thisphysiological responseto threats in the environment increases your alertness and prepares your body to take immediate action.

You could think of it as the bodys attempt to restore equilibrium as it releases excess energy.

What Triggers Anxiety Shaking?

Anxiety-related shaking can be triggered by various circumstances.

A genetic predisposition to anxiety and a more sensitive sympathetic nervous system may intensify a person’s fight-or-flight response.

Some medications may also cause shaking as a side effect, she says.

Anxiety shaking is one of the physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders.

For example, you might shake during a presentation at work or a performance for school.

While it can be unsettling, having this symptom does not necessarily mean that you have an anxiety disorder.

Research indicates a high correlation between tremor-related medical conditions and social anxiety.

For some, high levels of stress and exhaustion may intensify tremors.

Shaking and other symptoms can also create a vicious cycle.

This can lead to the avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety.

While this may offer momentary or short-term relief, the reality is that avoidance worsens and prolongs anxiety symptoms.

Which treatment option you choose is completely up to you and what you feel comfortable with.

Speaking with your doctor, psychiatrist, and/or therapist can help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

Exposure therapycan be a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders.

In this approach, people are gradually exposed to situations that trigger symptoms of anxiety.

Over time, the anxiety response slowly fades.

Medications

Somemedicationsmay help reduce or alleviate shaking and tremors, as well as other anxiety-related symptoms.

These techniques may be used in addition to psychotherapy and/or medication.

Practice Tolerating Distress

Potter suggests that learning to sit with your anxiety symptoms can be helpful.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activityis a natural anxiety reliever.

“Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, including shaking.

Reducing or eliminating their consumption can lead to a decrease in physical manifestations of anxiety,” Potter explains.

Boger says that mindfulness and meditation practices can help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings.

With regular practice, these techniques can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve emotional regulation.

Combining these practices with yoga can be particularly helpful.

For more mental health resources, see theNational Helpline Database.

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