4 Ways To Combat Anxiety

Reading Ashley’s post last Friday inspired me to open up a little this week and talk about some really personal things. I’ve always been a firm believer that even just saying something out loud to yourself lifts weight off of your shoulders. Growing up I was always strong and independent. I took on everybody else’s problems, and wanted to fix them myself. When I was out with my friends I was always the “mom” making sure that everyone else was okay. Heck, I even moved across the country by myself at 18 years old to pursue my dreams. I honestly thought I could handle anything life threw at me. Over the past year and a half I have been riddled with anxiety and minor depression. I don’t take those words lightly. Mental illness is a very real thing, and I think everyone needs to be more sensitive and aware of what is happening to the people they love. The worst thing you can say to someone who has anxiety or is having a panic attack is “just think about something else”. Trust me, if it was that easy we would.

At the end of last year my anxiety got to a point where I wouldn’t even leave our apartment. One day I just had a moment, and I knew I needed to do something about it. I couldn’t just waste away my life inside not living to my potential. I started doing a ton of research on how people combat and live with their anxiety. For personal reasons, I have chosen not to go down the therapy/medication route. Maybe in the future I will try out therapy, but Ashley is my cheap at home therapist, and that’s working for me right now. I’ve come a long way in the past few months, so I wanted to share 4 ways I have helped to better my life in the hopes that someone else out there needs that extra push of courage to make a change in their life as well.

1. The first thing I integrated into my life is yoga and meditation. I’ve always loved doing yoga, so I’m so glad I picked it back up again. Classes can be so expensive here in New York, so I use an app called Yoga Studio. There are 65 classes ready to go on the app. It is honestly the greatest thing ever, and I can take it wherever I go because its on my phone and iPad. There are also meditations on the app. This is my first experience with meditating, and I honestly can’t imagine my life without it. I meditate every morning so I can start the day on a good note. It’s great to focus your mind.
2.  I have finally discovered how amazing lavender is for calming and quieting your mind and heart. If there is a product that smells of lavender trust me, I own it. The Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy line has honestly changed my life. I have wallflowers, candles, lotion, and pillowmist. I also have pure lavender oil that I keep in my purse for when I get anxious. I also use the oil during my meditation and yoga. I put some on a washcloth and use it during my practice. Just integrating lavender in my daily life has certainly helped me calm my mind subconsciously.
3. One thing I try to do at least twice a week is take a relaxing bath. I light my candles, put on my face masks, grab a cup of peppermint tea, and play some calming piano music. We do so much nowadays that our bodies truly need a rest. I’m killing two birds with one stone, taking a bath and relaxing. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes it is better than nothing.
4. You also need to find your comfort blankets. Home is mine, but when I am out and anxiety hits me I need some things to help me get through. I have to have water. I’ve always loved water and drink a ton of it, but I freak out if I don’t have access to any. When I get anxious my mouth gets really dry, so I like to have some water to fix that. I also carry mints around with me. For some reason mints calm me down. Don’t ask me how or why, I just know that it works. I also have a need to listen to music when I’m anxious. I like to put in my headphones and listen to music that makes me happy. It’s usually One Direction or Ed Sheeran. Even though the music is not particularly happy, it brings out happiness in me which is all I can ask for in those moments.

Everybody is different, and has different needs for combating their anxiety. In general I would say to get active. It’s a great way to get out emotions and get your endorphin’s flowing. You can also invest in some adult coloring books. They are a great way to focus and calm your mind. You also need to know that you are not alone. So many people suffer with anxiety. Just talk it out with someone you trust. Learn to manage it so you can continue living your life to the fullest extent.

Maybe you have some tips and tricks that I didn’t mention here. Comment down below and tell us what you do to combat your anxiety.

-Shelbs xx