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twigon0metry · 5 years ago

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Anxiety Tips and Tricks

Hi there y’all! As a person who struggles with anxiety/phobias on a daily basis, I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks that have helped me to cope. Hope this helps somebody! ╰( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )つ──☆*:・ﾟ

BIG DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor/psychiatrist, I am just sharing things that have worked for me specifically. They may or may not work for you. And always be careful when it comes to meds or changing your diet, make sure you do your research or ask a doctor if you need to before trying something new. ;)

~ Make sure you eat healthy, or as healthy as you can. Your digestive system and mind are closely connected, so what you eat is going to affect your state of mind. Try to avoid things you know you’re sensitive to.

~ If you also have a bunch of other unexplained symptoms that are bothering you, you may want to try an elimination diet. Food sensitivities can manifest themselves in ways you wouldn’t expect, and can make existing mental disorders worse.

~ On that topic, make sure you eat enough! I know stress can really take a toll on your appetite, but it’s really important that you eat SOMETHING, even if it isn’t perfect. Trust me, being hungry makes you feel SO MUCH WORSE.

~ If you forget to/don’t eat because of stress or anxiety and get so hungry you feel gross, try eating some watery fruits or veggies. (salad, smoothies and oranges are my fav). They go down easy (some stuff is hard to chew and sticks in your mouth when you’re stressed bc your mouth is dry), are generally easy on your stomach, and don’t usually have a strong flavor or smell. They don’t fill you up much, but I find that they’re usually enough in the moment until you can find something else.

~ Try to get enough sleep. Being overtired really affects your mental state (and other parts of your body too), and you’re far more likely to be stressed. I know it can be really hard, but do what you need to do to at least get some rest, even if it means going to a doctor if you have insomnia. Your mental health is SO worth it!

~ Chamomile tea, lavender tea, and teas with valerian or passionflower in them have a calming effect and can help if you’re feeling stressed.

~ I take passionflower pills twice a day, and they can really help with restlessness throughout the day. (do your research before you try anything!)

~ If you’re supposed to be taking any meds, make sure you’re taking them--CONSISTENTLY. Taking care of the rest of your body will help with mental health as well.

~ I personally am a very logic-oriented, grounded person, and when I’m really stressed, I tend to get a bit delusional and think in unreasonable ways. So I find it really helps to have someone tell me or help me figure out what is actually true about my situation can help ground me again. Besides that, talking to someone you trust can really help you feel better.

~ It’s good to talk about how you’re feeling with others, but don’t obsess about it or do it all the time. As much as we sometimes want to know all the whys and hows about a situation, it can actually be really unhealthy if we focus on it too much and it actually makes the anxiety worse.

~ One of the coping mechanisms that’s worked best for me is the opposite of this--deliberate distraction. Find something that’s really engaging (reading an interesting book, watching your favorite TV show, having an interesting conversation with a friend), and do it until you calm down. Sometimes being in a quiet, calm place gives your thoughts too much room to roam.

~ Anxiety can be a fearsome enemy (pun totally intended). Fight it! If you can, reject thoughts of fear. Pray against them. Think about other things. Force yourself to do something else. Avoid ruminating on your fear and how you’re feeling.

~ If you are a Christian, maintain your relationship with God! I do devotions, but there might be other ways to do this too. Your soul and body are made to be in relationship with God, and so without him you will feel scared, lost and alone. This is something that really helps me.

~ Hugs and cuddles with loved ones are proven to have many health benefits. Besides that, it just feels good!

~ If you don’t have friends, (RIP) hug/cuddle/pat your pet and spend some time with them.

~ Get professional help if you’re struggling a lot. Please, please, do this before it’s too late. Your mental health is more important than the stigma or the things people might say. Your physical health will thank you too.

~ Learn to recognize what your individual symptoms are. Sometimes you don’t realize how anxious you are. Some symptoms of stress are: clenching/stiffening muscles of any kind, thinking at length about the subject, sweating, shaking, headaches, restlessness, irritability, unexplained sadness, fidgeting, upset stomach, fast heartbeat, quick breathing--and probably more that I forgot LOL.

~ Spend time with supportive, loving people if you have them. They will uplift you and care for you. Healthy community is really important.

~ Have a good laugh. Watch “Try Not to Laugh” videos on Youtube, read a funny book, watch a funny show, or hang out with a funny friend.

~ Don’t push yourself too much. It builds up and gets really exhausting, and you will burn out. Make sure you have a time for rest.

~ At the same time though, don’t do too little. Procrastination can wreak havoc on your life and mental health. If you feel overwhelmed by stuff, try to focus on only one little task at a time. Don’t plan ahead too much, just focus on what is right in front of you and start there.

~ Remember that your existence matters no matter how hopeless you feel, and that you are not alone. Somewhere in the world someone cares about you, and there is always someone praying for you. You have a purpose. Live to find it and fulfill it. Keep fighting! ♡＼(￣▽￣)／♡

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