Anxiety can be one of the most debilitating things in the world. It can shut you down, fill you with thoughts that aren’t true, and cause you to just want to be in bed all day. Having anxiety isn’t a choice, like many people may believe. I don’t choose to have a break down when I take a statement the wrong way because it is fun, it is my own brain telling me to melt down.

After a few years of finding my own coping mechanisms for my anxiety, I’ve found a few things that really help.

For example, instead of eating a bunch of comfort food, (which is totally something I do, although I try to keep it to a minimum,) I meditate. I center myself within the reality of my true world, rather than the one my mind is telling me is real.

Another example is reading. Reading books, articles, or anything else I can find, helps a lot. When I read something I stop focusing on what’s going on with me, and what’s going on with the other characters.

These particular coping mechanisms are something entirely special or different, but they are simple things that do really work.

I also like to take time to take care of myself when I feel particularly anxious. Something mundane like painting my nails, a face mask, or even just braiding my hair helps as well.

While these things work for me, that’s not to say something better works for you. I strongly encourage everyone to find what works best for them and share it with their friends, because your coping might not be a way that someone has thought of before.

Anxiety doesn’t have to control you. Don’t let it control you.