Written by contributing blogger, Daniela Forte.
Imagine a hamster on a wheel. It’s just going non-stop in circles nowhere fast. Imagine a broken record just repeating the same line in a song over and over and over again. This is anxiety. I have probably written about this more times than I can count, but I think we need to have more discussions about it.
Anxiety brings to the surface irrational thoughts and fears so much so that you actually believe it to be true. I call it debilitating because it is. It can completely cost you from experiencing some of the best days of your life.
Anxiety can be brought on by a host of things, situations that have occurred in your life that have created this fear-based thought process that never ends. It could be a natural condition of your makeup, there are just some people who are naturally anxious or grew up in an environment that made them this way as adults.
Anyway, I won’t dive into what anxiety is. We don’t need it, what we do need is how to handle it, how to become its friend and not its enemy.
Here are some ideas on how to combat anxiety:
Acupuncture: This is my newest remedy. I just started it last week. I am going for depression, anxiety and headaches. I don’t understand a lot about acupuncture to explain why it’s a help, but I can tell you I have slept better, I am calmer, the rat wheel of thoughts isn’t penetrating on a regular basis. If you’re looking for something to help your own anxiety/depression please consider this option.
Be Creative: Write, read, knit… anything that sparks creativity and decreases your anxiety is always good. I write everyday as a profession, but I also write for fun. I recently launched a food blog and I brought my book blog back to a life a bit. I am trying to read each night for 45 minutes. Knitting is something I come back to every now and again. Find what works for you though, there is not one size fits all equation when it comes to handling anxiety.
Sing, Dance: Turn on some dance music or your favorite song and sing and dance. Dance that anxiety out. Sing on the top of your lungs until you can no longer hear the anxious thoughts going through your mind. The other night I turned on Lady Gaga and just belted out “Born This Way” it was great.
Spend Time in Solitude: Some might think spending time alone with your thoughts might not be the best option, but I am not saying you need to sit down and think, sit down and do stuff you enjoy. Light some candles, drink some tea, just be kind to yourself.
Start a Gratitude Journal: I recently purchased a journal from Erin Condren Designs. I love it. It offers me different prompts to enhance my gratitude. Questions like, “What Made You Laugh Today?” It’s really about getting down to what is important about life and letting the extra bullshit go.
Get Some Sun: Right now, on the east coast it’s pretty grim and cold. But I still manage to spend some time outside. Sunlight is sunlight in the middle of January and in the middle of July. Enjoy it.
Buy a Plant: Haha… I just did this the other day. I am not sure if she will make it, but I hope so. I bought a Eucalyptus plant. Eucalyptus generates positive energies. I am not sure if it’s working or not, but I do find myself more concerned about keeping this thing alive than my anxious thoughts.
Talk to People Who Understand: This is sooo important. I have found solace with the people who have understood me. This is so important to talk it out with people you trust. Everyone is going through something, there is no reason they need to go through it alone.
Meditate: I am not a good meditation person. I end up falling asleep in all honesty. But maybe some deep breaths at the end of the day or start of your day could calm you.
Prayer: I am not a super religious person, but I do believe in prayers. I do believe in praying to a higher power, it’s like having a quiet conversation with a friend. I pray non-stop each day, especially on the hard days. The power of prayer is fierce and I recommend it to those who believe in it as well.
#radiatedaily
image source – pixabay
