For as long as I can remember, I have had severe anxiety. I feel so proud that I’ve overcome my fears and the many challenges I’ve faced due to mental illness. I truly feel as though as I am thriving, despite my anxiety.

I know so many of you can relate, but even if you don’t have a mental illness, anxiety is something we all experience. As humans, we have shitty days, weeks, or even months. Just remember that no feeling is permanent and nothing lasts forever. But I know just how overwhelming anxiety can be, so I wanted to share a few things that help with my anxiety.

GET OUT AND ABOUT

Anxiety can be so paralyzing to the point where leaving the house can be a struggle. But isolating and staying inside won’t do you any good. Even if you can just get outside for a quick walk, that’s a great start. A little bit of exercise and fresh air does wonders.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

I have a few of my favorite affirmations/quotes framed in my house. It fits my aesthetic, and they bring good vibes ;)! Pick a positive affirmation, post it on your mirror and say it out loud at least once a day. It might seem silly, but it takes just a few seconds and can really make a difference.
If you need some inspo, I have an entire Pinterest board filled with positive quotes!

SELF CARE

At the root, this is really what my blog is all about. When we take time to look good on the outside, we feel good on the inside. Because if you don’t take care of yourself, how can you show up for anyone else? Take a bath, do a face mask, or make your own body scrub. Just take some time for yourself and chill le f*ck out!

BE PRESENT

There is no sense in stressing over the past and worrying about things in the future that might not even happen. Living in the moment sounds SO cliche, but it’s really important! If you’re with other people and you find yourself getting lost in your own thoughts, try to focus on what’s outside of yourself and be present. Engage in the conversation, notice what’s going on in the space around you (sounds, smells, etc.) and try to enjoy the moment.

MEDITATE

I use headspace and I cannot live without this app.

CHECKLIST

There are 3 things I always make sure I’ve done whenever my anxiety starts getting quite high. 1) Have I eaten enough today? 2) Have I had enough water? 3) Did I take my medication? These are all such basic things, but sometimes when we’re stressed or overwhelmed, they’re really easy to forget.

REACH OUT

This is SO important. Sometimes relief is only a phone call away. I have a list of people who I know I can call day or night, that will be there to support me. It’s also good to have more than one person to call, each individual has different ways of helping and showing love! Some people are good at listening, others give good advice or there are always those who make us laugh and cheer us up.

JOURNAL

When you have a thought that just won’t go away or your anxiety won’t let something go, journalling is super helpful. I find once I get my thoughts out on paper, that takes the power it has away.

EXPRESS GRATITUDE

I talk about this a lot, but I find expressing gratitude brings me back to the current moment. This also helps me find positivity and can “reframe” the anxiety-provoking situation.

UNPLUG

Taking an hour or even a whole evening without your phone can do do SO much.

GET CRAFTY

Doing something with your hands is another great way to be present and get out of your own head. I love making mood boards and coloring! Fun Fact: The repetitive motion of drawing/coloring, is soothing for the brain and is proven to reduce anxiety.

DECLUTTER

When my space is looking like a hot mess, I feel like a hot mess. Taking just a few minutes to de-clutter and tidy up always helps.

AROMATHERAPY

I love taking a few drops of lavender essential oil on my hands, putting them by my face and then taking a few deep breaths. It’s pretty much impossible not to feel zen AF after that sensory experience. There are lots of oil blends for relaxation and there are tons of ways to incorporate essential oils into your self-care routine.

I really hope there is something on this list that can help you the next time you’re experiencing anxiety or have a stressful day. I have another post similar to this one, where I talk more about depression and how I manage my mood. In that, there are lots of great tips and ways to take care of yourself when you are feeling down. Thank you for allowing me to be authentic and share this with you. XO – L