With the new school semester steadily approaching, I created a helpful list of coping strategies for stress and anxiety. Be sure to visit a doctor if it ever gets to be more than you can handle! They are there to help.
1. Yoga (This is a big one.)
Yoga not only helps you physically feel refreshed, it eases breathing and helps prevent mild anxiety episodes. Breathing is extremely important. You don’t have to go anywhere to do this either, and classes are not required. Look up helpful poses on the internet, such as sphinx pose, which opens up the rib cage and really stretches your core. I’ve had many anxiety episodes lessened from the simple act of yoga and mindful breathing.
2. Stress objects
This is more of a general category that can include stress balls, kinetic sand, zen gardens, clay etc.
In times of anxiousness, I’ve found strangely that having something to distract my hands also helps to distract my mind. The act of squeezing something or holding kinetic sand in your hands can ease the racing thoughts- if even just for a moment.
3. Coloring/ painting/ writing
You truly do not have to be Van Gogh to feel relaxed while sketching or coloring.
Keep some colored pencils on hand (heck, even crayons, crayons are fun), and doodle on scrap paper if you feel that familiar tightness in your chest. Believe it or not, you may occupy yourself enough to feel better. I started carrying around a journal a few years ago to jot poems down in when I felt stressed. As cliché as it sounds, it helps to get something out. It helps to create something. Barnes and Noble has a million versions of mindful coloring books for adults that truly may help you.
4. Call a friend
In the case that none of the “on your own” things are quite working for you (and that is A-okay, no worries), have a go-to person who will listen to anything on your mind. Your mom, your sister, call someone who loves you. Having a real person on the other end listening to you, or possibly trying to tell you a funny story to take your mind off of the situation, is better than laying in bed being unable to breathe. It is not weak to ask for help. It’s extremely noble.
5. Go for a walk
If I ever feel the tinge of anxiety blurring
6. Make some tea
It sounds simple, but tea is a cure-all for nerves. When I’m feeling ‘on edge’, the first thing I do is get out my favorite constellation mug and steep some jade citrus tea. The act of just holding a warm mug can calm your nerves, and since tea is so hot, you have to pace yourself drinking it. This slows your breathing immensely and can calm you down in a matter of minutes. It doesn’t hurt to add a little honey.
7. Sleep
The best way to cope with constant anxiety is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Odds are, with work and school and a social life, that none of us are getting nearly enough. Nothing is wrong with napping, and it honestly should be more socially acceptable. If you’re feeling fatigued and anxious, try taking a small nap. You might wake up 100% better- and if you don’t it is alright. You will be okay. This moment will not take hold of your entire life.
Find what works best for you. What helps your friend may not be the same thing to help deter your anxiousness or stress.
You will carry on.
You’ve got this.
