5 Ways To Deal With Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are part of an estimate 31% of the population, according to the National Institute of Health. It is safe to say that the struggle is very real for many of us. I deal with anxiety. Often crippling my daily life. But I have learned a few tricks that have significantly helped me to get through life.
- 1. One Bite at A Time
I am sure you have heard the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Years ago, my therapist would repeat this to me at every session. Eventually it stuck. Whenever I am faced with a seemingly overwhelming task, from a large wok project to a long list of TO Dos, to a simple task of cleaning the house, I relay strongly on this phrase and repeat it to myself throughout the task. One bite at a time. Just one bite. It helps me to make large tasks small. Like laundry, for example. One bite, sort my laundry. One bite, fill laundry basket. One bite, run load of laundry in washing machine. You get it. Each step is one bite. Somedays I really have to take small nibbles like that. Other times one load and all that encompasses finishing that load is enough of a slice to get me moving forward. Whatever your one bite is, start there.
2. Find You Passion
Adulting can be so mundane and that alone can overwhelm me and take my anxiety for a spin. Finding an outlet that I am passionate about has proven crucial. For me its photography. I thoroughly enjoy capturing moments in time. It allows me to be o with my subject and let go of everything else. I am grateful to have created a side hustle from it, allowing me to do it more often. However, I also found a way to incorporate it into my job. Thankfully marketing and photography go hand-in-hand. It is important that you have a passion or several that you can easily incorporate into your daily life.
3. Repeat A Mantra
I have found daily mantras or affirmations to be extremely helpful in times of anxiety. Of late, I have enjoyed an app called I AM. Throughout the day it sends you notifications of affirmations to say to yourself. Saying them out loud has been so instrumental in getting me through whatever I am faced. I have found I am more productive; I have fewer panic attacks and I am able to begin new habits with more ease. They remind me that I am perfect as I am, that I am doing my best, and that I can do anything!
4. Feel the OM
Studies have shown that meditating and reciting the OM ritual can transform your brain waves. It literally resets your mind. Totally wild, in my opinion. Yet, I do find it truly works. Meditating for even a few minutes before bed helps me to relax, fall asleep AND stay asleep, and I also wake up more refreshed and motivated. Along the same lines, I teach my son to take a breather whenever he feels overwhelmed or super hyped up. 3 deep bely breathes prove to do the trick. They calm the nervous system and clear the mind.
5. Find A Therapist
Recently therapy seems to be less of a faux pas. This is a trend I am so here for. I have been seeing a therapist since I was 4. I am so grateful my mom sent me to discover how to cope with difficulties I was having in life. As an adult I now know the importance of therapy. I am not afraid to ask for help. I still use techniques I have picked up from many of the therapists I have seen over the years… Some from my therapist when I was 4! I can better help my son through his life challenges. The list keeps going. There is so much therapy can help with. To me therapy is like an in-person YouTube video on how to better live with your anxiety or whatever your struggle.
With all of these, please know these are what work for me. They may not be the best practices for you. But how will you know unless you give them a try. Life is all about trial and error. You keep trying new things until you find what makes your toes curl or your heart melt. Whatever your feeling, keep searching for it. Never give up on YOU.
