Living with anxiety is exhausting; mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting. At least that’s what I feel. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and basically every day for me is a constant battle between me and my thoughts. Those horrible thoughts that just seems to snatch every bit of happiness that’s left in me; Those constant sleepless nights spent worrying on something that may or may not even happen. The constant what if’s that’s stopping me from enjoying the life I truly deserve. And yeah, let’s not forget the scenarios. Every time that I feel like everything is finally going so well, here comes the scenarios, my thoughts just seems to always take control, imagining the worst possible case and reminding me that in life there is always something to worry about. Most days I just feel like there is this giant cloud engulfing my mind that pretty much makes my life miserable.
If you are living the same days as I do, please know that you are not alone. Do not feel ashamed or afraid, there are a lot of people going through the same days as you are and we are always here to help and listen. So let me share to you these 5 personal tips that helped in easing my anxiety.
Learn what triggers your anxiety
In order for us to learn how to manage our anxiety, it is important for us to understand what triggers them in the first place. Is it work, family, school or is it other things? Once we know what fuels our anxiety the most, we can then look for ways on how we can manage it.
Exercise
Frankly I’ am not fond of exercising. Yeah I’m a couch potato. So when I first heard my therapist say that exercise helps in reducing anxiety, my first response was “well, not for me”. I didn’t really know how exercise will help me get rid of those thoughts. I already have a hard time forcing myself to get up every day, let alone exercise. However when I finally decided to try it, the results surprised me. It doesn’t only help you clear your mind and control your thoughts but it can also help you get a good night’s sleep.
Focus on your time zone
It’s easy for us to obsess about something that may or may not even happen. Sometimes we are often too fixated on something that has already happened. And this completely robs our chance of enjoying what we have now. So if you are spending time with your family, friends, partner and your thoughts tries to engulf you, pause, breathe and focus on what is happening right now. Enjoy the little things and stop fixating on what will or what has already happened.
Write your thoughts
The amazing thing that I have discovered every time I write my thoughts is that it completely separates me from them. It gives me a sense of space and distance from those worries and as odd as it may sound every time I do this it gives me this feeling that I’m freeing my mind from the grasp of their power. It reminds me that those are just thoughts, they are not me.
Get yourself a furry pal
Yeah, pets can’t talk, offer advice or even say encouraging words to help us out but for some people suffering with anxiety. Like me, pets can do wonders. Every time my anxiety is eating me alive and my thoughts are consuming me, cuddling my pet just pulls me back to reality. My pet is a life saver!
Remember that everyone has their own coping mechanisms (so this may or may not work for you) but nevertheless, don’t give up, there are a lot of ways to help battle anxiety. You are the expert of your life, so choose the ones that work for you.