When life gets to be too busy or unmanageable, I tend to experience anxiety. I start to feel worried, scared, and not good enough. Sometimes things are just too much to handle and we need to release our emotions. I have compiled a list of ways to combat this cloud of anxiety that can be overwhelming and seemingly unsurpassable. I hope if anxiety troubles you that these options can help release your feelings in a healthy way.
1. Writing
I find that writing out what I am feeling allows me to release my emotions without any human interaction, which may be beneficial as irritability can be a symptom of anxiety. Writing out what you feel and solutions to ways you can combat being in the position you're in (e.g. to do lists or goals) will help you avoid future possible anxiety attacks.
2. Progressive muscle relaxation
I find that this greatly helps decrease my physiological responses to anxiety and helps me maintain an overall more relaxed disposition. Don't know how to perform it? Check it out here if you want to see the step by step process.
3. Exercise
Exercise is highly proven to reduce anxiety and stress due to the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are essentially "happy hormones" and allow you to get that high of happiness after a solid workout. Even a short 20 minute HIIT workout is enough to get your blood flowing and those happy hormones released! If you're not into exercise, try yoga. Yoga helps relax the mind and body and slows us down to movements instead of a jumble of thoughts.
4. Reach out to your support system
Reaching out to your support system and asking them for help and advice is one of the best things you can do to lower anxiety! Having a different perspective on the situation allows for clarity and brainstorming on how you can move forward to feel less anxious. Family and friends are there for a reason, so utilize their positivity and healthy suggestions toward becoming a better you!
5. Set goals or write a to-do list
Setting goals or creating a to-do list can help you feel more organized and more accomplished at the end of the day. It gives you something to work towards and allows you to physically see what you need to get done, so you aren't stuck in your brain of jumbled stresses. The rush of relaxation after crossing off goals you've met or tasks you've got done is a surefire way to feel less anxious and more accomplished.
When you are feeling overwhelmed, not good enough, or simply bogged down by the stresses of life, try something off of this list! Reaching out for help from family and friends, writing a goal/to-do list, or even exercising can lead you in the right direction toward a happier, healthier, and less anxious you!
