Tips for Dealing with Anxiety

Since I got some really good feedback for my post about my struggle with anxiety last week, I wanted to make a post about some ways I deal with it. These are all things I've tried and have really helped me. It's really good for times when you feel like it just sneaks up on you.For me I've noticed the best way to deal with it, is accepting it but also keeping my mind occupied so I'm not just focusing on and drowning in my anxious thoughts and feelings.So most of these are things I do while I'm feeling anxious but I've also noticed they help keep myself from even getting anxious in the first place.

TALK IT OUT/WRITE IT DOWN

I mentioned this in my other post, the reason I wrote it is because I was in the middle of feeling anxious at night and needed a way to just get it out, so I wrote it down on my phone and noticed half way through that I was significantly less anxious.I've learned from a meditation app (I'll mention my favorite below) that you should acknowledge your anxiety not try to push it away or bury it because that makes it worse.  I've found this to be true. When I write down what is making me anxious and why (if there is even a why, sometimes there isn't, and that's ok!) I feel better about it because it's not just stuck in my head. If that makes sense.Sometimes I'll talk it out with my mom or text some of my friends who I know will understand what I'm going through about it.

DIFFUSE ESSENTIAL OILS/BURN CANDLES

I've been diffusing oils for the last four-ish months and I totally believe it works. Every night I diffuse lavender which really helps me relax and sleep better. I've noticed differences in nights when I diffuse lavender and when I don't.I've also diffused Chamomile because it helps with fighting anxiety and depression, supports digestive health, etc.Bath and Body Works makes a number of candles now that are made with essential oils, my favorite is campfire donut. Just lighting a candle that smells really good helps me relax. (Their 3-wick candles are just $10 right now!)

READ A BOOK

Sometimes this doesn't always work for me because I just can't make myself focus on it but on days when I'm feeling bored, reading all day is perfect to keep my mind occupied. I've found on my busiest days when I have a list of things to get done, those are usually the days I feel less anxious because I'm too occupied with doing things rather than worrying about others.I'm currently reading Code Girls by Liza Mundy and loving it!If you need some recommendations check here,here, and here! (Also later this week I'll be posting an updated list of books I'm planing to read soon!)

WATCH A LIGHT HEARTED tv SHOW

I have a number of go-to shows I can binge watch to get my mind off of everything and just have a good laugh.The OfficeParks and RecThe Good PlaceBrooklyn 99Ellen's Game of GamesJohn Mulaney's Netflix stand-up specialsAnytime I'm feeling down, I put any of these on and guaranteed laughing and feeling better after just a couple of minutes!

CRAFT/BAKE

Again another way to distract yourself and occupy your mind. I find if there is a step by step process to follow, it really helps me get out of the loop I sometimes put myself into when I'm worrying or anxious. I did so much crafting during my Christmas break and I really think that helped me manage all my free time I had without falling into an anxious mind.Also, I mostly use pinterest to pin a bunch of recipes and usually the ones I try are all the desserts. So I just like to think of baking as no only giving me something to do but also reward myself with a treat, why not right? Life is short, eat dessert always.Baking pinterest boardCrafting pinterest board

APPS TO HELP

My doctor recommended a few apps to help calm anxiety, one is called Headspace and one is called Calm. Both are free to download but you do have to pay for it inside the app. I haven't used headspace but I use Calm. You can try a few sessions for free to see if you like it before paying for it. They have a lot of different meditations for anxiety, sleep, and focusing. I believe it's $5 a month (you pay for the year) and it's totally worth it in my opinion.I also downloaded the app, Pigment. It's basically a coloring book app, I find it really helps if I get hit with anxiety and I'm on campus and just need something to distract myself. Leave a comment and let me know if you've tried these or if you have other tips! Hope these help <3