For the past couple of weeks my anxiety has gone into overdrive. Though I’ve had triggers before, I’ve only now realize what’s driving this bout of anxiety these last few weeks. Stress, financial worry, being overwhelmed with work, and the many responsibilities that comes with being an adult.
I’ve also noticed that when my anxiety goes unchecked it leads to a feeling of depression. It also leads me to relay on activities and unhealthy coping methods, such as drinking, caffeine consumption, over eating and spending, and sleeping and laying around the house excessively and I being unproductive.
I know that anxiety is common and wanted to share some healthy ways to cope. Perhaps they can work for you too. In fact, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America:
“Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.”
The website provides additional information about anxiety disorder that you may find useful. But here are five coping methods I’ve found to be the most healthy and useful for me.
Write in a Journal
Journaling has been therapeutic for me. Write down your emotions so you can better identify what your triggers are while getting out some much needed frustrations.
Exercise or Get Involved in a Physical Activity
Exercising or getting involved in some form of physical activity allows me to release stress and the feeling of being anxious. It can get your blood and endorphins flowing, which again helps to alleviate stress, pain and boost your happiness.
Play Mind Stimulating Board Games/Puzzles
Keeping my mind occupied with brain stimulating word puzzles, board and card games has been great to get my mind off worry. I’d recommend you try it and share your own experiences with doing so.
Disengage from social media
Social media can not only be distracting and time consuming, it can be triggering with information overload and constant comparisons between your reality and others.
Entertainment
Watching your favorite TV show, listening to your favorite artist, band or other forms of entertainment can not only keep your mind occupied in a healthy way, but also therapeutic; especially music. Studies have shown that music releases stress, stimulates the brain and can affect your mood.
By Her Own Rules family what are some healthy ways you cope with anxiety.
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