Have you ever dealt with something that felt like a burden? Or a curse? Or something that you felt because it was around for such a long span of time it became a part of who you are and hated yourself for it? I have. For about three years I have dealt with anxiety disorder. It has come back time and time again like the monsters under your bed or the biggest, baddest, villain in a movie. Except it’s neither of those things, those are things that can be defeated very easily: this can’t. This is something that comes in the way of happiness, relationships; it will disrupt your peace of mind on a day to day basis. Worst of all, it hurts you. It hurts you mentally, emotionally, and physically. You have panic attacks daily, you overthink so much that you give yourself a migraine and you worry about the littlest of things, and you constantly feel out of place even when you aren’t. You almost feel… Well crazy.

But what if I told you that it is possible to get rid of the thing that hurts you the most? That it is possible to live a life without worry, without doubt, without any of the negativity that anxiety brings?

It’s possible, it just starts with you. While anxiety might not be easy to beat, it’s possible to beat it, with both time and options. I’ve begun my journey to beating my anxiety and it’s time for you to start yours. One of the first things I realized when I first started my journey were two things: that I had to acknowledge the anxiety and that it was there, and that I was strong enough to beat it. Those are truly the first two things you need to be willing to accept.

Through trial and error, I have been able to choose the right options to help me start to overcome the anxiety. They’re not over the top, but just some simple changes to my daily routine that have helped me feel a lot better.

1. Mediating/Yoga/Excercise

These, in particular, had a big impact on helping me with my anxiety. Being able to go to the gym after a rough day and get any negative energy out by running, lifting (which has been absolute life saver this semester), or just goofing around playing basketball helped me become much happier. Going from being so stressed and amped up about my day to relaxed and content coming out of the gym made it very easy to keep doing it. Then meditating for about 5-6 minutes after and doing yoga helped with keeping my mind at peace. Although the exercise and yoga helped me suppress my anxiety, it also gave me awesome benefits of being fit and healthy.

2. Having a good support system

Having people around you that see you in a positive light is always a big one. Along with them seeing you in a positive manner, it’s important that they are aware of your anxiety and if you need help they are there. If you don’t tell them, they won’t know or understand how you’re feeling when you’re anxious. I’ve had someone very close and dear to my heart drive to my house at 3 a.m. to help me with a panic attack and that same person skip out on a party to sit with me in their truck to calm me down. The aspect of knowledge is very important especially when panic attacks arise because sometimes the only way to snap out of one is to have someone guiding you through it. Even though their knowledge of your anxiety is there, it won’t make them want to treat you any different. It’s also imperative to remember that being the person that’s helping you with your anxiety isn’t easy. But the support is all you can ask for.

3. Cut out certain things out of your diet (i.e. make it healthier)

One thing I have become aware of is that the way I eat affects my anxiety as well. Eating junk foods and sweets or things filled to high heaven with caffeine definitely send my anxiety shooting. So one thing I can always suggest is to learn to cut out those things and stick to more natural remedies like your teas (For me, I’ve grown to love green tea in specific) and your healthier foods. This has been quite a challenge for me because I know how much I love both caffeine and certain sweets, so don’t expect it to be easy. The healthier you are, the less anxious you are as well.

4. Be open-minded to the possibility of free writing in a journal.

My boyfriend actually suggested this to me and it wasn’t a bad idea when I started doing it. The art of free writing… Taking maybe 5 - 10 minutes to yourself a day to write about whatever it is that is on your mind at the time. It could be about your day, about how anxiety has been affecting you, the progress you’re making, or just the random thoughts that come across your mind. Either way, this is a very good distraction and it helps you keep track of things. Taking a step back and collecting and analyzing your thoughts can be a huge help.

5. And last but not least, find things that make you laugh and create positive energy in your life.

This one is a MUST! Finding things that make you smile and make you laugh is the number one key to sending your anxiety to hell and leaving it there. There is no better way to do that than to keep your mind occupied with positive thoughts. Happiness and laughter are like incentives for your mind and body after a long day’s work.

Whether you do or don’t take anything away from my ways of dealing and overcoming my anxiety, you will always be able to find your own. There are many options and alternatives to be able to explore that are right for your individual needs. However, just remember the strength you have to deal with your anxiety is the exact same strength that you need to overcome the anxiety itself. It took me awhile to figure that out, but now that I have, I have never been happier.

Just breathe.