Anxiety, also known as my worst enemy, is something everyone can relate to. Whether it's because of the first day at a new job or an imaginary situation that has virtually no chance of ever happening, the feeling is all the same. Here are five things to do whenever you're feeling anxious.
1. Spend time with friends.
This is something pretty much anyone will tell you, but it's true. Even if you're so stressed that you can't hide it and pretend to have a good time, it's okay! Good friends will be there for you through it all—even if it's just by sitting with you, eating ice cream, and letting you get a good cry out.
2. Find something to watch.
Finding a good show, movie, or YouTube video can be really helpful if you need to give your mind a break. Everyone's different, but I know it's not good for me to watch anything dark or sad whenever I'm anxious.
Food network is usually my go-to— "Chopped" is my personal favorite. Yelling at my screen because Sheila decided to make a side salad with two minutes left on the clock really tends to get my mind away from my everyday stress. Gosh, darn it, Sheila.
3. Let your emotions flow.
DO NOT HOLD THOSE TEARS BACK. I don't care if you have the ugliest cry face in the whole world, don't keep it bottled up. It's time to flaunt that red face and runny nose.
Sometimes I feel like I'm being crushed with the weight of the world, but that weight can occasionally be lifted after I've gotten a good cry out. It's almost like some of the anxiety leaves along with the tears.
Just make sure you have a box of tissues.
4. Write a story.
You don't have to be a great writer for this! I just think that writing is a great way to get your mind away from anything that's worrying you. Instead of focusing on your troubles, you're creating these characters and interactions—you're basically creating your own little universe. Anything and everything can happen because it's your mind that makes up the rules!
It doesn't have to be something that turns into a best seller—I've written a story about my dog as a prince before. It's just a creative way to escape for a while.
5. Take everything one step at a time.
It's very easy to get overwhelmed if there are lots you're worried about, but you can't think of it as this giant list of things. Take things one tiny step at a time. Focus on whatever needs to be done, complete that, and only then move onto the next issue.
You have to read one page at a time, eat one bite at a time, and walk one step at a time. What makes you think you should worry about more than one problem at a time?
