With the virus changing our lives and forcing us suddenly to live a new normal, anxiety is on the rise. It already was but now people are facing new struggles, fears and stressors without ever having to know ways to cope with anxiety. I hear more often from those who have really never had anxiety describe text book anxiety. I’ve listened to friends who I knew had battled anxiety and won talk about having to return to medication they haven’t taken in years. It’s disheartening to know that this may be our new normal for months and for many anxiety may take control.
Being an expert in anxiety ( seriously have you read my blog – I’m know anxiety) here are ten things that work for me.
- Mother Nature. Spend as much time as you can outside in the sun. Read, garden, lay in the grass, listen to the birds….breathe in the fresh air and bask in the sunlight.
- BREATHWORK. It took me a while to jump on this bandwagon but once I did I realized the power of controlling oxygen intake. It has scientific and yogic explanations. Personally for me box breathing and alternate nostril breathing work for anxiety. Here’s a great link with directions. .
- Panic attack? Heavy breathing and sweating with rapid thoughts? Sit in your door frame with your feet pushing against the frame and back pushing against other side and at the same time practice box breathing. It may take about five minutes but will calm you.
- Yoga. The down dog app is currently free until May. I’m a yoga app snob but I’m loving this one.
- Walk. Take a stroll or fast paced walk. Put in your earbuds and drift away. Exercise however you like but just get the endorphins pumping.
- Limit alcohol. I know this is a hard one right now with so much stress but maybe make a goal to only drink x amount of days a week especially if you are having high anxiety.
- Write, journal, read.
- Sleep! Sleep! Get your sleep.
- Although binge watching tv helps you escape the low vibrations can cause stagnant energy which can create anxiety. Same with too much screen time.
- Plan your day. Yes people will make fun of you for a schedule but keeping yourself and your kids on a schedule will reduce some of the uncertainty and give you a new normal routine.
I would like to think I’m somewhat of an expert at anxiety. I’m diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and one point in my life the anxiety was so bad I couldn’t leave my home. Sometimes I would just sit in the driveway unable to pull out, having to call the school to put the kids in aftercare then retreating back inside to have a panic attack and rush to take an Ativan. I know anxiety and I’ve defeated her. Need other ideas then here ya go!
Remember if you keep anxiety in it will become a monster more difficult to beat. If you ever need a friend or just someone to vent your worries and anxiety to then feel free to reach out to me or a trusted friend.
