Hello Sweeties!!
I compiled this list from all of the comments on my previous post about anxiety last week. I also added in my own ways of dealing with anxiety. Thank you so much for all the feedback! I was extremely touched!!
21 Ways to Cope With Anxiety
♥ Watch a beautifully stunning movie in your comfy pj's!
♥ Focus on the positive aspects in your life. When you start feeling anxious about something, make a quick list in your head of the top 5 things in your life that you are thankful for. It really does help to dwell on the positive when things start feeling out of control.
♥ Listen to your favorite music or watch a television show that you absolutely love! Sometimes all you need is a little distraction to get your mind off the anxiety.
♥ Talk to someone close to you who can reassure that everything is going to be okay. Venting about my anxiety to my sister always makes me feel better.
♥ Take a hot bath! Bubble bath if possible! Relax in the warm water and enjoy a little pampering! Light candles and put on some music if you are feeling particularly anxious.
♥ If medication for anxiety isn't an option for you, consider alternative methods such as hypnotherapy. I have a close friend who swears by hypnotherapy. I'm a little reluctant to give it a try, but it might be something that can help you.
♥ Take vitamin supplements that help with anxiety. I'm an avid vitamin-taker. For anxiety, I take Inositol and GABA. They really work for me. I only take them when I'm feeling anxious. GABA makes me feel very relaxed so I only take it at night. Inositol helps during the day. It just makes everything run a little slower for me. When I'm anxious, it feels like everything is running at 10 million miles per hour. I feel more focused and less frantic, panicked, and afraid. Studies have shown that Inositol can help with many other disorders such as OCD, Bipolar depression and clinical depression. My mom is extremely OCD, and she says that Inositol really helps her deal with her anxiety.
♥ While trying to fall asleep, think about positive things like the projects you are working on. Push the negative worries out of your mind. If that doesn't work, concentrate on your breathing. Breathe in for 5 counts and out for 5 counts. You will fall asleep before you realize that you have stopped counting.
♥ If you cannot sleep at all, take some Melatonin. It is naturally produced in the body so it doesn't work like most sleeping aides. You should not take Melatonin every day, but it can be taken when you have trouble sleeping. You can also take Valerian Root to help you sleep. I can't take Valerian Root because it makes me a little too groggy in the morning.
♥ If you are religious, try praying. Also, try focusing your energy on positive areas in your life or positive things you want for your life.
♥ Think of an anti-anxiety mantra. It can be something simple like, "Life is good, and I'm okay." Anything that you can say or think repeatedly to chase away your anxiousness.
♥ Eat a banana! The reason bananas help with anxiety is because they are high in vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is one of the best vitamins for supporting the nervous system, so it can help support the body in warding off all sorts of feelings like sadness, depression, anxiety and panic.
♥ Sit down somewhere quiet and meditate. Close your eyes and concentrate on breathing deeply. Relax your body. I have a tendency to tense my shoulders, neck, and jaw.
Imagine a place where you feel safe and happy. I know that sounds silly, but it does help, especially when you feel panicked.
♥ Clean up! I start cleaning like a crazy person when I'm feeling anxious. I clean and clean until everything is tidy and spotless. And it makes me feel amazing afterward.
♥ Take time for yourself to just relax.
♥ Spend some time working on your favorite hobbies. Scrapbook, blog, crochet, paint, sew, journal, bake etc.
♥ Get your heart pumping with some cardio! Exercise makes you feel amazing and eliminates anxiety with a heaping dose of endorphins!
♥ You can also get endorphins by eating a little chocolate! That is why chocolate is the number one comfort food.
♥ If you start to feel like your can't breathe, put your head between your knees and try to breathe deeply. Sometimes people have panic attack when their anxiety gets out of control. If you can't calm yourself down, ask for help. You may need to go to the hospital. Don't take panic attacks lightly. They are very serious.
♥ Brew a cup of your favorite tea or hot beverage. Sit somewhere comfortable and sip. Herbal teas are very soothing.
♥ Have a small snack. Raising your blood sugar can help fight off anxiety.
Please feel free to add any suggestions you have in the comments section! I would love to hear!
♥ ya!!
