Dealing with Anxiety

Everyone feels anxious at some point during their lifetime. Whether this is because of school, friendship/relationships, work, home life or health. Many things factor into anxious thoughts or feelings, and sometimes there isn’t even an exact root, or cause for these feelings, which is still more than valid. Sometimes anxious feelings can feel small, other times it can make you feel engulfed.

In society today, it is becoming easier to express feelings and emotions, without judgment. People are openly speaking up more about mental health, and ‘understanding’ it. On a personal level, I am still learning to speak up about anxiety, and my experiences living with it. Therefore, sharing it on the blog, is kind of a big thing! But I appreciate reading/hearing about others experiences with anxiety, I hope this can aid someone in some way! Obviously, I am not a specialist when discussing mental health, and would like to use this blog post (and blog in general!) as a safe space for discussion and support.

The title of the blog post ‘Dealing with Anxiety’ could almost be portrayed as though I know how to fully stop anxious thoughts and feelings. I am still learning and figuring it out. Different situations can mean that other tactics and techniques are needed to lessen anxiety, because not all situations can be dealt with the same, some need more healing time than others. There most definitely is not one specific technique that works for all.

I would say I am an ‘anxious person’ and I do tend to worry and overthink where not necessary. Nevertheless, I don’t love the term ‘anxious person’ because anxiety is not a personality trait, and does not define you, it simply is a feeling or ‘reaction’ to your surroundings. I think that it is important to remember to try and separate anxiety as much as possible, as I have found in my times of dealing with it, that I can easily (accidentally) associate anxiety into day-to-day activities or making decisions, as a ‘protecting’ tactic. Because surely, how can anxiety happen if you just don’t allow yourself to be put in an anxious situation? The reality is, anxious situations will occur whether you like it or not…, nonetheless, not all these situations will end badly, and simply will help you learn and grow. As cliche as it sounds, it is true.

At times, anxiety has felt as though it has control over me. I quickly realised that it was my own responsibility to take ownership of my own mental health, in order for things to change. These are several reminders that benefit me!

A Problem Shared, Is A Problem Halved

If you can, talking and simply addressing the way you feel, can be a huge weight off your shoulders. It can make you feel significantly less alone, make you feel understood, and even possibly allow you to find logical solutions.

SAYING YES MORE!

This is something I am still working on, but saying yes more to fun, last-minute plans, is a great way to challenge anxiety, prove to yourself you are more than capable, and can let you have fun! Everything will always work out in the end. Anxiety can make you want to have control over everything and protect yourself, if anything, that can take away from creating incredible memories. Summer is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone!

Meditation

I love meditation. It is a literal calming, escape. There are so many known benefits of regular mediation; allows you to focus on the present, increases patience, and allows you to manage stress.

Exercise

Walking, Pilates, Dance, Weight training, Running, any sort of physical movement.

Do What Makes You Happy!

Stop worrying what everyone else thinks. Everyone is in their own bubbles and have their own lives to worry about!

Enjoy The Little Things

This could be enjoying your favourite food or drink, or being thankful for a cosy evening in, watching your favourite Netflix show.

Being Okay With Your Own Company

Occasionally life will force you to be independent, so enjoying these moments and taking them in your stride, even when it feels intimidating, will only benefit your confidence.

Physical Remedies

Of course, physical remedies are known to calm anxiety; including Rescue Remedy, Herbal teas, weighted blankets and essential oils.

There are so many ways to calm anxiety, but most that I have mentioned, particularly allow me to feel more at ease during anxious times.

I am absolutely not an expert, and deal with anxiety a lot still in my daily life, so I am still working on it myself, and realising it takes time. And that is more than okay. Healing comes in all different forms, so focus on what is best for you, and remember you are never alone.

Words By Alice Abel