All of my life, I have had anxiety. It was never severe; I was constantly overthinking and worried about every single thing that occurred in my life. I really didn't see it as anxiety because I was fine. Worrying just seemed normal to me. I just knew myself as a Type A person. Well, then I came to college.

Being on my own was a new process that I was not used to. Especially being 11 hours away from home, I worried day in and day out. I worried about financials, my grades, social life, my family, my major and everything in between. Obviously, in college, we start to eat unhealthier, and because of busy schedules, exercise kind of dwindles too. Studying all of the time caused less sleep and more stress. My grades were falling and I didn't understand why. I was working so hard and not getting the results I wanted. I felt like I was letting everyone down, and especially myself. My anxiety was worse than ever.

I started to not be able to sleep because so many thoughts were racing through my head, and I would start to panic. I had terrible chest pains and felt nauseous every time I tried to sleep it off. Migraines would come all of the time. I was miserable. I took it out on my friends and parents. I became mean. I was sad. I had no motivation. I didn't want to do anything. I soon had my first anxiety attack. In the middle of a sleepless night once again, my heart felt like it was coming out of my chest. I was unable to breathe. Tears were pouring from my face and I didn't know what to do. It lasted about two minutes. It was then that I realized I need to figure this out because this is not okay and not the way I want to continue living. I was scared I was headed down a scary path that could be avoidable.

If you deal or have dealt with anxiety, there are so many small things you can do to either settle it down or completely diminish it. The first thing I started doing was watching my diet. I was eating Taco Bell almost every other day (I love you Taco Bell), and after being full I would just lay down. I would snack on unhealthy things all the time and stuff my face at every meal. I was being very unhealthy. I started eating a balanced diet again, and not over eating. I started eating fruits, and a ton of protein. This in itself helped a ton. Eating a balanced diet, and not as many carbs, made me feel better. My chest pains started to stop and I had more energy. I started sleeping a little bit more than before. I wanted to feel even better, so I started working out daily again. Whether it was just a jog or a hard workout at the gym, it was at least something. It was an incredible difference. I was so much more positive. I knew that I was doing the right thing. I was able to sleep through the night after about a week without waking up once. Something I haven't done in as long as I can remember. I was happier around my friends. Everything just felt better.

I don't know if this is true, or if it is just coincidence, but my experience has made me believe it. The healthier your gut and your body, the healthier your mind. I used to get sick so easily, and now that I have somewhat adjusted my lifestyle I have felt better than ever. I wake up excited to start my day now. I sleep better than ever. I still worry, but not to the extent at all as what I was used to. So my advice to anybody out there dealing with anxiety, eat better and exercise. It may just be the start, but it has completely changed how I feel. Avoid unhealthy carbs, and drink a ton of water. Get rid of the sugary drinks, and the late night eating. One thing I have stopped doing is snacking after 8:00. It has also made a world of difference. Also take your vitamins! If something is in walking distance, walk. The more your body is moving, the less your mind will. Plus doing these things might shed a few pounds too. Once you start and feel your anxiety going away, you won't want to stop. Find a hobby to get your mind off what is on your plate. Read, blog, draw, etc. Anything to just get away for a little bit. Get a counselor. It is always good to have someone to talk to, and for that person to listen.

All in all, there is a way to handle your anxiety. Once again, it may not get rid of it, but just reducing it is all I needed. Take care of yourself and let your body take care of the rest.