Anxiety can be hard sometimes, and trying to cope isn’t always easy. As someone who struggles with anxiety in their daily life, here are some tips that I use to help calm my anxiety. Keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you.
- Journaling:
I started journaling before bed daily this year and I have noticed a difference. I grab my journal designated for writing my feelings and I write whatever is on my mind at the time. I like to do this before bed, so that I can sleep soundly without the stresses that I’ve been thinking about throughout the day. I don’t like to go back and read what I wrote because then all of the stresses come back, but maybe that works for you. I like to use this time to really tap into the way I’m feeling and to really listen to my mind and body. I have slept sounder because of this, and I would recommend this to anyone.
2. Word search/Sudoku
Whenever I feel anxious to the point of crying, I do word searches or sudoku. It allows me to think about where the words are or where the numbers go rather than stressing about everything that I’ve been feeling all at once. I usually do a couple of them until I feel calmer. If you don’t want an actual book, you can use apps instead.
3. Coloring
I know when you see this you may be thinking, “Coloring is for kids,” but it is really relaxing. I love to pull out a coloring book when I feel my anxiety spiraling and when I have a bit of time on my hands. Creating something, whether it be on paper or online, makes me feel accomplished. It allows for my mind to be creative after the logical thinking that college brings on a daily basis. Spending some time with myself to color allows me to feel like I am in control of my body and mind. Coloring brings me a kind of peace of mind that I don’t experience very often.
4. Self-care!
This is one of my favorites. Spending some time to care for my skin and body makes me feel refreshed. Sometimes it just takes a longer shower with some shower steamers or doing a full-blown skin care regimen. Based on how stressed I’m feeling, I use both of these. I love using my shower steamers and breathing in a relaxing mixture of essential oils to make my stresses go away. On the other hand, I love using eye patches and face masks to make my face feel hydrated and nourished. Spending time focusing on my body allows me to feel confident and relaxed.
5. Music/TV
After a long day of classes and other daily stresses, nothing sounds better than winding down with your favorite television show or movie. Personally, I like something that is light-hearted and funny. Some of my favorites right now are: That 70’s show, New Girl, Jurassic Park, Family Guy, Disney movies, and The Middle. Watching these helps me have a good laugh and makes me feel happy. Going along with this, music allows me to get focused and to feel the beat. Feeling the beat, whether it’s to hype songs or sadder songs, allows me to feel like I’m floating on air. I usually listen to music on the way to classes or when I have a lot of work I need to get done that makes me feel overwhelmed.
6. Spending time with friends and family
This is my absolute favorite. Spending time with my family or friends, whether that be playing games or going shopping, allows me to live in the moment. I come from a close family where we do everything together, and I’ve grown up loving family time. Family time makes me feel like the best version of myself and allows me to have fun with the people I love the most.
Whatever is making you anxious can feel like a big pressure on your shoulders. Finding out what works best for you will allow you to enjoy life to the fullest, because you only get one life.