7 Things to Remember When You're Feeling Anxious
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The last thing that ever comes to mind when you’re relaxed, happy, and doing the things you love most is how to deal with anxiety.
You’re presumably in such a good place and can't ever imagine feeling anything other than great.
But that's the thing with feelings – they change. Anxiety is especially capricious. One moment you're good, the next you're feeling so anxious that you can barely keep it together.
It's an all too common issue – the most common mental illness in the US with over 40 million adults affected. Throw a novel pandemic into the mix and it’s even worse.
However, that's another thing with anxiety, as bad as it gets, it's not a permanent feeling. Also, remembering certain things at that moment can help you get through it.
We've got some tips and tricks on how you can manage it.
That said, if the feeling of anxiety ever sets in or if you're feeling depressed, it will help greatly to remember the following –
1. You're stronger than you think
You've probably felt that way before but you came out on top. What does that tell you? The fear, depression, and anxiety that is eating away at you now didn't beat you before, why should now be any different? It shouldn't.
It might sound a bit crystal ballsy, but it's the truth. Try as much as possible not to doubt your strength or question your ability to overcome this.
2. Remember to breathe
Deep breathing helps calm anxiety. According to the American Institute of Stress, just 20 – 30 minutes of deep breathing daily will suffice.
The oxygen you breathe in stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system to produce a calming feeling.
It could be as simple as repeating ‘in - out’ and inhaling and exhaling deeply as you do or some fancier breathing technique.
What matters is that you take relaxed, deep breaths that will lessen your anxiety, alleviate your stress, and make you feel better.
To learn more about the breath and simple techniques BOOK A BREATHWORK SESSION WITH CANDICE
3. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel
A long dark tunnel is a pretty good picture of what most people feel when anxious. It's all so depressing and sad. A feeling that sucks emotion away from you, leaving you dark and empty.
However, even during your darkest moments, just a happy thought could present as a light to move towards.
Less metaphorically speaking, there’s no magic light bulb you could switch on, but understanding your feelings is a good way to start.
At the very least, try to process your thoughts. That will significantly ease your anxiety and put you in a good place.
4. Don't sink deeper into it
One common thing with mental health issues is how hard it seems to fight them. Some might think that it's much easier to give in to the feeling. It's called wallowing and it's a surefire way of worsening the situation.
Of course, it's easy to say ‘fight it’ on paper. In reality, it's a whole other ballgame. But not an impossible one.
Let’s borrow a saying from Socrates – Man Know Thyself. That's what you've got to do. Figure yourself out, note your triggers.
Once that onslaught of emotions comes crashing into you, find other ways to positively channel the energy.
Don't let it swallow you. Remember that.
5. Get up and move
Almost all images that depict sadness or depression often show someone sitting with their chin in their palms or lying under the covers looking all sad? That’s what sadness looks like. Don't let that be your situation.
Get up from that couch now. Take a nice, relaxing walk around your neighborhood or go outside your balcony for some yoga. You could also go on a light-duty cleaning spree around the house, maybe even organize your closet.
If that's not your idea of relaxation, then whip out your dancing shoes (or socks) and bust some moves.
Whatever you choose to do, let it be something that stimulates or exercises your body, because exercise is great for tackling chronic anxiety.
6. Don't shut it all out
It's like how denial and acceptance are on opposite ends of the grief spectrum. There's no better place for them.
You could deny feeling anxious all you want, but that's not going to be very productive at the end of the day.
Trying to bury it might work at that moment. Unfortunately, it’s little more than plugging the hole without fixing the actual problem.
Before long, it will spring a leak and possibly cause a flood. Your best bet is to accept that you have anxiety issues.
Acknowledge the feelings flowing through your head. Only then can you sort them out and fix them.
7. Have people in your corner
It’s typical for feelings of depression or anxiety to cause people to just want to be alone.
“I just need to be alone for now” – does that sound familiar? Do you find yourself saying it to people who want to help you?
Granted, it’s important to spend a bit of time by yourself. However, isolating yourself from your loved ones can have devastating emotional impacts on you.
Try to socialize and interact with the people around you. Actively seek out positive energy to surround yourself with.
Anxiety disorders or any other form of mental health issues are never easy. But those moments don’t define you.
Get some professional help. It’ll be well worth it in the long run. In the meantime, the tips above should help you manage your anxiety.
Here’s wishing you lots of laughter and happy moments.