3. Focus on how something feels | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

10 Small Things That Help When Coping With Anxiety, Sometimes We Can't Drop Everything And Meditate

A few quick fixes to help slow the mind.

85
Stressed

Dealing with anxiety can be difficult, especially when you're busy and can't just rest for a day to calm down. Most of the time when I get anxious I am out and I can't just sit and color and meditate and do all the things they tell you to do. Many times we have to cope on the spot or only have a few minutes to calm ourselves down.

1. Breathe slower and deeper

Breathe in for six seconds, hold it for four seconds, and breathe out for six seconds. You can increase the length of time, but this is how I started.

2. Describe your surroundings

Look around and try to describe everything as objectively as possible. The grass is green, there are brown leaves, there is wind. Try not to make any judgments, and if you find yourself being more subjective, acknowledge the thought you have then let it go and just keep describing. Try to use as much detail as possible, too. You don't have to be outside - there are plenty of details in bedrooms, offices, and classrooms!

3. Focus on how something feels

If you have a pet you can pet it and just focus on how soft it is and how the fur feels. You can also do this with fluffy blankets or pretty much anything. You can lie on the grass and feel it, see if it is wet or cold, or tiles are hard and usually cold. Just focus on the physical feelings. This one is really good if you have anxiety attacks or PTSD.

4. Clean up

Get clean. Take a shower, brush your teeth, comb your hair. You feel better about yourself when you are fresh. In addition, clean your space! Clutter can cause anxiety so try and tidy up your area. It will also help you feel productive. Here are a few things (some help on the spot, some are more life style) that help me in my day-to-day life that help me cope with anxiety.

5. Did you eat enough?

Have a healthy snack! Food affects my mood dramatically. Whenever I am getting anxious one of the first questions I try and ask myself is "Did you eat?" and the answer is usually no. Not eating enough lowers your blood sugar which can dramatically change your mood. Some people get hangry and if you are like me, you get very anxious. I try to keep chocolate protein shakes around so if i realize I have not ate yet, I can grab one as a quick snack.

6. Are you hydrated?

Another good question to ask yourself is, did you drink enough water? Being dehydrated can also affect your mood. It makes you feel tired and mentally foggy. This can make you anxious, as well. Drinking a bottle of water can also help you freshen up.

7. Did you get enough sleep?

Not getting enough sleep is a major contributor to your mood. Make sure you rest enough each night, and if you need to, take a little nap. Just try not to make a habit out of taking naps because it will negatively affect your nighttime sleep.

8. Get cold

Hold ice or a cold bottle on your inner wrists and/or the back of your neck. This will help cool and slow your nervous system, making you feel calmer. You can also go to the bathroom and run your wrists under cold water for a few minutes, it will also help.

9. Tense up all your muscles and let them go one by one

Many people hold tension in their muscles and don't even know it. Start at your feet and clench your muscles for about 10 seconds and release. Do this all the way up your body to your jaw and then repeat it twice more.

10. If you have a pet, cuddle

Cuddling a pet can make you feel calmer. Petting their soft fur and their warmth can be very relaxing.

11. Walk

You don't have to do crazy exercise for it to be helpful. Walking one mile takes me about 15 minutes when I'm anxious. It helps you calm down though. Especially if there is a breeze! It feels nice and you become aware of your existence, but not in a scary way.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185376
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11625
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455514
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25131
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments