You have the feeling that something is about to go wrong. Your heart is racing, your mind won't shut down and you are struggling to breathe. You cannot focus on anything, yet you just want to grasp some aspect of comfort and reality. Perhaps you are even crying. This experience is all too common for those who deal with various forms of anxiety.
While it can be difficult to fully conquer anxiety issues, there are many things one can do in order to ease the symptoms and cut them off before it becomes too severe. I have put together a list of 10 things I have found to be most helpful for me as I have learned to deal with anxiety. What are your favorite anxiety tips?
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1. Cuddle up in a blanket.
Blankets are amazing for giving a sense of security in anxiety situations.
2. Ask someone (you know) to hug you and hold you close.
The feeling of someone holding you close when you are struggling with anxiety is one of the most comforting things imaginable.
3. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths.
This will help ground you in reality, and slow your breathing and heart rate.
4. Run a warm bath and soak with relaxing bath salts.
My favorite is this lavender scented bath salt.
5. Talk it out with someone you are comfortable opening up to.
It is extremely difficult to open up when you are struggling with anxiety, but sometimes that is the very best thing to do. By opening up, you can get to the heart of what is bothering you, and find a way to work through the anxiety.
6. Journal about what is making you anxious.
Journaling can be a wonderful way to get your thoughts out and make sense of the jumbled up mess that is your mind when anxiety hits. Also, you can create a list of things you know to be true, or a list of things you are thankful for in order to focus your mind on reality.
7. Drink a cup of hot herbal tea.
My favorite is any kind of Sleepytime tea.
8. Get some fresh air and sunshine.
This is very important for clearing your mind.
9. Download a nature/rain sound app.
I love using the Rain Rain app by Tim Gostony. Even when my anxiety is high, if I turn on the rain or ocean wave sounds on this app, I typically fall asleep right away.
10. Allow yourself to rest.
Because caring for yourself is important.
