Today there is a better conversation about mental health among the common population. Mental Health is no longer a bunch of old white dudes asking you how you feel while smoking a cigar. The mental heath conversation has grown to be more common among households, however if you just feel like you need a little refresher of the mind, body and soul, here are my top ten ways that I use to feel better:
1. Running
By run I do not in any way, shape or form mean to run away from your problems (as much as you may want to because of what stresses you). I have never been an athletic person. I love sports but I never really found my stitch until I found running. The freedom, the wind in your hair, the endorphins and the clearer mind; what else could be better for you!? Like Elle Woods said, "endorphins make you happy, and Happy people don't kill their husbands."
2. Lie down 
One of the many blessings of anxiety is anxiety attacks... "ATTACK"! I mean the name itself sounds so fun, am I right? The common misconception that I see in the world is anxiety attacks are hyper ventilating and crying... which is sometimes true but not for everyone. For example, I personally have hot flashes... and no I am not a 40-50 year old woman going through menopause. So the best way I try and cope is to lie down... preferably on a cool surface, but those aren't available all the time.
3. Cooking
What living creature doesn't need some sort of nourishment? Food is an important part of living a healthy life. One of my favorite things to do when I am having an episode is to go into a kitchen and cook. The consistency of the chopping, dicing and slicing soothes the nerves. When you were little, didn't you love the magical aromas that came from the kitchen around meal times? However, not all of us have access to a real kitchen so sometimes I have to settle for Food Network. Then again who doesn't love Food Network? So full of drama and pizazz!
4. Play a Game
I love Temple Run 2.. it's great because you're mindlessly running through a jungle type thing and all your cares kinda just go away. The ability to temporarily escape from the real world is nice and sometimes playing a game brings you back to the carefree days of childhood. Speaking of childhood, nothing beats breaking out the old Game Cube and play some Mario Cart with some buds.
5. Take a bath/shower
Taking a shower or relaxing in a bath are wonderful for thoughts and clarity. Taking a shower cleans not just the body but the mind and soul as well. Whether it's singing along to Adele at the top of your lungs or my personal favorite Cute Is What We Aim For, showers always cool you down. Also, what is better than being fresh out of the shower and lying in bed while watching your favorite Netflix show?
6. Go outside
Going outside is one of my favorite things to do! Fresh breeze on your cheeks and warm sun on your back, you can't loose! Fresh air is wonderful for the soul and healthy for your body! Sometimes when I am having an attack I feel like the walls are closing in, so the wide open spaces really help with that. While you're already outside you can maybe catch a few Pokemon or make a new friend! Gotta catch 'em all right?
7. Feel the emotions
I know many people don't want to feel their emotions and that's why they cope, but I personally feel like actually feeling your emotions helps you move past and get better. Like famous Hoodie Allen states in Act My Age, "You're trying to push me in the wrong direction and it fucking hurts." We all know it hurts but if you live in fear of the hurt, is that really a life?
These are only just a few of my personal ideas on how to cope with anxiety. We all have different degrees of mental health so be sure to remember not to compare yourself to others. Comparing yourself to others is not only harming to them but harming to yourself. So when anxiety hits you like the unsuspecting base drop, think like Abby Lee Miller and tackle it like you know you can.
