Hey you!
I hope you have been well? In today’s post I’d like to discuss how to overcome anxiety. You’ve probably heard of it or you might have even experienced it.
Especially during the cold and dark period of the year, it’s easy to lock yourself up and struggle in silence.
Before we go into that, let’s define anxiety real quick, shall we?
According to the NHS, Anxiety is:
A feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.
Dealing with anxiety: the mental battle
- Start small
The fastest way to overcome anxiety is by starting off slowly. If you’re feeling anxious about something. If you have a big task ahead of you, break it down into smaller tasks. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and more confident once you’ve completed each step. - Focus on what’s going well
Focus on the positive aspects of your day instead of dwelling on negative thoughts. When you focus on the good things happening around you, you’ll notice them more and they’ll become easier to recall. - Take deep breaths
When you’re feeling anxious, take long, slow breaths. Deep breathing calms the mind and body. Try taking three deep breaths before you start working towards what you need to do.
- Visualize yourself doing what you want to do
If you’re having trouble focusing on what you need to do, try visualizing yourself doing it. Seeing yourself successfully completing a task helps you stay motivated and focused. - Do something else
Doing something else while you’re waiting for something to happen can help distract you from worrying about it. Find something you enjoy doing and get lost in it. - Talk to someone
Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can make you feel much better. Talking to a friend or family member can help you feel supported and loved. - Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep can help you cope with anxiety. Sleep deprivation makes people more likely to worry and ruminate over their problems.
7 tips to help you overcome anxiety
- Find a hobby that interests you.
This is something that I really recommend doing if you are feeling anxious. There’s nothing worse than being stressed out about work and school and then having a hobby that you never have time for. If you’re already stressed, taking care of yourself should always take priority. A hobby could be anything as simple as going to the gym or playing sports, drawing or crafting, or even watching TV or reading books. Whatever makes you happy! - Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins which help relieve depression and anxiety. You don’t need to go to the gym to get exercise. Walking, running around the neighborhood, dancing, swimming, riding a bike – any activity that gets your heart rate up! - Get enough sleep.
Sleep is incredibly important when it comes to feeling relaxed and happy. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night will make you feel great! - Be grateful.
There’s no point in worrying about what happened yesterday when you are able to enjoy today. Instead of looking back and wishing things had been different, think about how lucky you are to be alive right now. Take advantage of every moment you have! - Eat well.
Food gives us fuel to do many things, but especially to be happy. Eating healthy foods (like fruits and vegetables) gives you energy and makes you feel good. - Spend quality time with family and friends.
Spending quality time with family and close friends will improve your relationship with them. Spending time together will make you appreciate each other more and feel less lonely. - Practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness helps us become aware of our thoughts without letting them control us. Try to practice mindful breathing while relaxing before bedtime, and you’ll be able to fall asleep much faster.
I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you have please don’t be shy and leave a like or a comment! 😉
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Big love,
Joy