How to deal with Anxiety: my bad day
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Hey there, my lovely readers! It’s your favorite blogger here, and today I want to talk to you about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: anxiety.
Now, I’m sure some of you out there are thinking, “Anxiety? What’s the big deal? Just take a deep breath and calm down, it’s not that hard!” Well, let me tell you, it’s not that simple. Anxiety can be a real pain in the you-know-what, and it affects every aspect of my life, including my ability to write posts for you guys.
You see, when my anxiety is at its worst, it’s like my brain is stuck in a never-ending loop of worry and fear. I can’t focus on anything else, let alone come up with witty and engaging content for my blog. It’s like my creativity has gone on vacation and left me to deal with the anxious mess in my head.
But, as much as I hate to admit it, I know that sharing my struggles with you guys is important. I want you to understand what I’m going through, and maybe even find some comfort in knowing that you’re not alone if you’re dealing with anxiety too.
So, here I am, baring my soul (or at least my anxiety-ridden brain) to you all. It’s not easy, but I hope it’s worth it in the end.
Stay tuned for more from your resident anxious blogger. Trust me, there’s never a dull moment in this brain of mine.
ANXIOUS DAY IN MY LIFE: Bad mental health day, how I journal with anxiety, working out, + more!
The Battle with Anxiety
Ah, anxiety and ADHD. The dynamic duo that makes my life oh so interesting. As if having one mental health condition wasn’t enough, I had to go and add another into the mix.
You see when my anxiety is really bad, my ADHD goes into overdrive. I jump from task to task, trying to distract myself from the racing thoughts in my head. But eventually, the anxiety catches up to me and I have to stop or switch to a different task to try and calm down.
It’s a vicious cycle and one that’s incredibly frustrating to deal with. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down to write a post for my blog, only to find myself staring blankly at the screen because my mind is racing a million miles a minute. And don’t even get me started on the physical symptoms – the trembling hands, the sweaty palms, the knot in my stomach that won’t go away no matter how many deep breaths I take.
It’s a struggle, to say the least. But, like with all struggles, there are ways to cope. For me, it’s all about taking things one step at a time. Instead of trying to tackle a big project all at once, I break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. And when my anxiety starts to ramp up, I take a break and do something calming, like listening to music or blogging podcast episodes, or on days like today I reach for the big guns – binge streaming a favorite – Chicago Fire is today’s winner!
Of course, these coping mechanisms don’t always work. Sometimes the anxiety is just too much to handle, and I have to step back and take a break from writing altogether. But that’s okay. It’s important to recognize your limitations and take care of yourself, even if that means taking a step back from something you love.
So, to all my fellow anxious writers out there, I see you. I feel your struggle, and I’m right there with you. But we’ll get through it, one word at a time.
Coping Mechanisms
I have a great idea! Here are some more coping mechanisms that are a bit more unconventional:
- Have a dance party: Blast some music and dance around your living room to release some of that nervous energy.
- Watch 3 disaster movies to laugh the tension off (they are the cheesiest, and best to make you smile!)
- Make memes about your anxiety to share with others (see throughout post)
- Play with Play-Doh or do a puzzle: Engaging in a creative task can help distract your mind and reduce anxiety.
- Take a hot bath or shower: The warmth and relaxation can help soothe both your body and mind.
- Make a vision board: This can be a fun way to visualize your goals and aspirations, which can help shift your focus away from anxiety.
- Plan a dream vacation: Researching and planning a future trip can give you something positive to look forward to.
- Try ASMR: This is a technique that uses soothing sounds and sensations to help relax the mind and body.
- Write a letter to your future self: This can be a powerful exercise in reminding yourself that things will get better.
- Clean out your closet: Decluttering your physical space can help declutter your mind as well.
- Play with your pet: Spending time with a furry friend can be a great source of comfort and stress relief.
- Bake something delicious: Focusing on a recipe and the process of baking can help take your mind off of anxiety.
- Do a home workout: This can help release endorphins and boost your mood.
- Do some free writing or focused journaling to get it all out.
Remember, coping mechanisms are meant to be a temporary relief and not a cure for anxiety. If your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, it might be a good idea to seek professional help.
Meet the people living with severe anxiety | 60 Minutes Australia
Journaling as a coping mechanism for anxiety
Speaking of journaling, here are some prompts that might be useful on anxiety-filled days:
- What thoughts or feelings are contributing to my anxiety right now?
- What physical sensations am I experiencing in my body?
- What are some things I can do to take care of myself in this moment?
- What would I say to a friend who was feeling anxious right now?
- What are some positive affirmations I can repeat to myself when I’m feeling overwhelmed?
- What are some situations that make me feel anxious? How can I prepare myself for those situations in the future?
- What coping mechanisms have worked for me in the past when I’ve felt anxious?
- What are my most common anxious thoughts? Are they based in reality, or are they irrational?
- What physical symptoms do I experience when I feel anxious? How can I soothe those symptoms?
- Who are some people in my life that I can turn to for support when I’m feeling anxious? How can I communicate my needs to them effectively?
- What are some things that I’m grateful for in my life, even when I’m feeling anxious?
- How can I reframe my anxious thoughts to be more positive and constructive?
- What are some realistic and achievable goals I can set for myself to help manage my anxiety?
- What are some things that bring me joy and make me feel calm? How can I incorporate those things into my daily life?
Writing with Anxiety
Writing with anxiety can be a real struggle. As someone who experiences anxiety on a regular basis, I understand just how hard it can be to focus on writing when my mind is racing and my thoughts are all over the place.
When I’m feeling anxious, I try to approach writing with a gentle and compassionate mindset. I remind myself that it’s okay if I don’t get everything done perfectly and that taking breaks or breaking down tasks into smaller steps can be really helpful.
However, there are times when I have to force myself to write even when I don’t feel like it. As a blogger, writing is part of my job, and I don’t want to let my readers down. I also know that my writing can be helpful to others, even on hard days, and that feeling like I’m making a difference can reduce my anxiety.
So even when my anxiety is at its worst, I try to find ways to write that work for me. Sometimes that means taking a walk or doing some deep breathing exercises before sitting down to write. Other times, it means setting a timer for short writing sprints and rewarding myself with a break when the timer goes off.
Ultimately, I try to be kind to myself and recognize that writing with anxiety is hard. But I also know that it’s possible and that even small successes can feel really good.
What Having Anxiety Feels Like
When Anxiety Wins
During times when my anxiety is at its worst and I’m struggling to meet my responsibilities as a writer, I often feel overwhelmed, guilty, and ashamed. It’s hard not to compare myself to others who seem to be able to write effortlessly or to beat myself up for not being able to push through my anxiety.
To cope with these feelings, I try to remind myself that my mental health is just as important as my work. I’m not lazy or incompetent just because I’m struggling with anxiety, and it’s okay to take a break or ask for help when I need it.
I also try to practice self-compassion and give myself permission to make mistakes or not be perfect. I remind myself that everyone has their own struggles and that I’m not alone in feeling anxious.
When I’m feeling guilty or ashamed about not being able to meet my responsibilities, I try to reframe my thoughts in a more positive way. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t do, I try to celebrate what I did accomplish, even if it was just a small amount of writing or taking care of my mental health.
Finally, I try to reach out for support from friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about my struggles with someone who understands can be a huge relief, and can help me feel less alone in my experiences.
How I Use my anxiety to try to help you
As someone who struggles with anxiety myself, I’ve come to realize that my experiences can actually be an asset when it comes to helping others. By sharing my own journey and the strategies that have worked for me, I can offer a unique perspective and connect with readers who may be going through similar struggles.
For example, I’ve learned firsthand how overwhelming anxiety can feel, and how it can affect every aspect of your life. But through therapy, mindfulness, and other techniques, I’ve also discovered how to manage my symptoms and find some relief. And by sharing these insights with others, I hope to provide a sense of comfort and encouragement.
Ultimately, I believe that my anxiety gives me a level of empathy and understanding that allows me to connect with readers on a deeper level. By being open and honest about my struggles, I hope to create a safe space where others can feel heard and supported. And if I can help even one person feel less alone in their journey with anxiety, then I consider that a success.
Seeking Help and using online-therapy.com
Absolutely! Seeking help is an important step in managing anxiety, and there are many different resources and options available to individuals who are struggling. Here are some tips and resources that may be helpful for those looking to get support:
- Reach out to a trusted friend or family member: Sometimes just talking to someone can help alleviate anxiety. Consider reaching out to someone you trust and opening up about what you’re going through.
- Consider therapy: Therapy can be a great way to work through anxiety and develop coping strategies. Online-therapy.com is a great resource for individuals looking for a flexible and affordable therapy option. They offer guided therapies and programs specifically designed for anxiety, as well as 24/7 SMS therapist access.
- Explore medication options: If your anxiety is severe, you may want to consider medication as an option. Speak with your doctor or a mental health professional to discuss the best options for you.
- Practice self-care: Self-care can be an important part of managing anxiety. Consider incorporating activities like meditation, yoga, or exercise into your routine, as well as making time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy.
If you’re struggling with anxiety and looking for a flexible and affordable therapy option, I highly recommend giving online-therapy.com a try. Their guided therapies and programs are specifically designed to help individuals manage anxiety, and their 24/7 SMS therapist access provides added support when you need it most.
And here’s the best part – as a valued reader, you can get a 20% discount with online-therapy.com by being one of my readers! Click on the links or ads and the discount is yours! Go battle that anxiety today! That’s right, you can get the support you need at a discounted rate, all from the comfort of your own home.
So why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking the first step toward managing your anxiety. And remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve to live a life free from the grip of anxiety, and online-therapy.com can help you get there.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone and there are resources available to help you. Online-therapy.com is just one of many options to consider, and I encourage you to explore all of the resources available to you.
8 Anxiety Tips That Actually Work
Conclusion of how to deal with anxiety
The importance of discussing mental health and breaking down the stigma surrounding anxiety cannot be overstated. It is critical to acknowledge and address mental health concerns, as they affect a significant number of people. We must prioritize mental health, seek support and treatment, and work to end the stigma. Thanks to all who have offered their support and encouragement. Remember that you are not alone in your struggle, and seeking help is a sign of strength.
Want more? Songs About Social Anxiety: The Best Music for Mental Health because anything to help with mental health is awesome. There is also Can Anxiety Cause TMJ? Ways to Unlock Relief (and your jaw) and if you want to have fun, try How to Break Mental Barriers: 15 Dr. Seuss Inspirations.
Resources for Anxiety
Are you or someone you know struggling with anxiety? You are not alone! Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help manage anxiety and improve your overall well-being. Check out these three websites for information, support, and resources on anxiety:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – https://adaa.org/
ADAA is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, and related disorders through education, practice, and research. The website offers a wealth of information on anxiety disorders, including symptoms, causes, treatment options, and self-help strategies. It also has a directory of mental health professionals and support groups, as well as online forums and webinars.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
NIMH is a federal agency that conducts research on mental health and disorders. Its website provides comprehensive information on anxiety and other mental health conditions, including statistics, treatment options, and research updates. The site also offers resources for finding mental health services and clinical trials.
- Anxiety.org – https://www.anxiety.org/
Anxiety.org is a website that provides information, resources, and support for individuals living with anxiety. The site offers a range of articles and blogs on anxiety-related topics, such as coping strategies, mindfulness, and anxiety in the workplace. It also has a directory of mental health professionals and treatment centers, as well as a forum for community support and discussion.
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