Anxiety is a part of everyone’s life. It can range in severity from person to person. Growing up, I had anxiety like a lot of people do. I had it on the first day of school, before a choir concert, before a play and even when going out on my own.
Anxiety really took a toll on me when I started to feel physical and mental symptoms with no explanation. I noticed this anxiety started taking over my life and thoughts on a daily basis. Waiting for doctor appointments as well as getting tests done with results taking weeks at a time. As I waited, my phone would be constantly in my hand typing up any minor symptom I felt. I would have this irrational fear of having some sort of underlying disease that’s being unraveled in my brian with every new search. These symptoms started out as headaches and slight balance problems but quickly also snowballed into IBS problems, trouble sleeping, nauseousness, headaches, panic attacks etc. Although I was finally diagnosed with astigmatism, I was also later diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder by my therapist.
I did not have immediate access to a therapist at first so here are some things I learned that helped alleviate and lessen my anxiety attacks.
1.Cut Caffeine
I love a good caramel latte but it was costing me more than just a couple dollars. Caffeine can cause and worsen anxiety so I had to cut it out altogether. I chose to enjoy my mornings with a decaf tea or decaf coffee. My favorite is decaf chamomile, as it has ingredients to help calm yourself and helps with gastronomical issues that can be caused with anxiety and can help regulate sleep.
2. Learn More About Anxiety
Reading about the very thing that scares you made me realize that I was not crazy and what I am feeling has a name and is treatable. My favorite book is Calm the F*ck Down by Sarah Knight. She talks about ways to identify anxiety and how to tackle it.
3. Talk To Yourself
This may sound weird but sometimes talking yourself through the anxious feeling will help you gain better control of your feelings. You can start to reason with yourself and understand.
4. Keep A Journal
Keeping a journal of all the worrisome things that go on in your head might help you see things from a different angle. Some of the worries you have might even make you laugh!
5. Exercise
Probably my least favorite method but one that proves to be very effective. It helps keep you distracted, helps you loosen muscles, and releases endorphins. Exercising does not have to be going to the gym every morning. It can be walking, swimming, hiking, etc.
6. Talk To Someone
Talking to someone you trust can be a great way to not feel alone while dealing with anxiety. For me that person is my therapist. They help me gain great perspective and always remind me I’m worth fighting for.
7. Seek Help
These tips are game changers when it comes to taking your life back from anxiety. Despite these tips being helpful, I encourage anyone dealing with anxiety to seek help from a professional, they can further aid you in your battle against anxiety.
Overall anxiety is a part of life. These tips helped me minimize anxiety in my life and allowed me to take control. I hope it can help minimize the impact of anxiety in your life. One of my favorite sayings from my therapist when I start to think about what-ifs is “Just put it in the shelf.” and continue with your day,