Anxiety

The absolute worst - isn't it?

I swear it's in the air these days 😤

To fathom the weight of anxiety's power over someone is inconceivable - it legitimately affects our nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and respiratory systems.

You don't need to be a scientist to recognize - to endure it daily can take an undeniable toll on your body 😔

But - that's why we discuss it!

Believe me - going on month two of a new job, writing a 2nd book, and considering calling a new place "home" any day now...You could say it's strikingly fresh in my mind 😅

So, with that said...

Here are five ways to kick anxiety to the curb (that have worked for me!)🦵🏽

There's no sugar-coating here.

None of us are experts, no matter how much anxiety we endure.

Doesn't seem fair, am I right? 😩

Though, we can always share what works for us! 👏🏼

As Ted Lasso says:

"Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're doing it, you're probably doing it wrong."

Maybe what works for me might work for you! So - let's dive in 🌊

Here is what's been working for me & my loved ones lately 👇🏼

Shake off the Nerves

No, really! Shake them away 👋🏼

Before an intimidating call or conversation, why not:

• Engage in a brief (but powerful) 5-10 min workout?

• Acknowledge your previous accomplishments?

• Dress to Impress?

Overall, remember that you've conquered this feeling once before...

And you'll do it again 👊🏼

Keep in mind that these thoughts are irrational (and we all have them!)

Do your best to draw the line between fact & fiction ✍🏼

Sure, you might have a paramount presentation on Monday, but is the audience honestly hoping for your failure?

In most cases, the answer is an obvious "no." A majority of the time, you're simply overthinking 😌

Nourish Your Brain

Ever heard of brain foods?

Eggs, tuna, and salads are great examples of brain boosters 🧠

Even if they don't make you feel more confident, they'll still:

• Offer plenty of healthy vitamins

• Improve your memory

• Enhance your mood

& more!

On top of a grocery list, you can also upgrade your mind with:

• Rhythmic Breathing

• Meditation

• Yoga

Or a simple walk in nature 🌲

Remember 💡

There comes a certain point where we are no longer productive.

It took me a lifetime to learn, but...⬇️

Take care of yourself in order to live your best life for others!

Play a Character

I do this far more than I'd care to openly admit.

But I'm not always the person that I need to be. I cannot always advocate for myself in the ways that I deserve. And - I've been obsessed with tv/film for as long as I can remember. And nothing helped me through a moment of deep anxiety than stepping into another person's shoes 👟

If you use this method effectively, you cease to be yourself! The sky becomes the limit - use your imagination 🚀

You can instantly change to countless admirable folks, from sitcom characters to your next-door neighbor!

Keep in mind - these ideas are not everyone's cup of tea ☕

So, here are a few additional possibilities:

• Motivational Videos

  • (What pumps you up?)

  • Only you know what will push you the most!

    • Here's my go-to 😊

• Sound Frequencies

  • Uplifting

  • Focus

  • Calm

    • Find your favorite & run with it! 🏃

• Catchy Sing-Alongs

  • It's said that the most effective way to dismiss anxiety is to sing or hum 🎶

    • Make a playlist of tunes that are practically impossible for you to listen to without joining in!

      • Here's mine to start you off 😊

Create Anticipation

Everyone feels more confident with genuine excitement for an upcoming event!

What's a time that you felt delightedly happy? (A wedding? A reunion? A deep conversation with a friend?) 🤗

Follow-up Question: Are you able to replicate those feelings again?

Take those feelings & hold onto them for your next moment of panic!

Suddenly, you're smiling - reminiscing - daydreaming...All the good things 😊

But you're certainly not nervous!

If it helps, think of the fact that your brain is physically unable to tell the difference between excitement & anxiety!

So...why not take control and be excited instead? 🤩

Dive Into a Project

What's a task that you'd like to accomplish unrelated to your anxiety?

Whether running a marathon, learning a recipe, making a playlist, or bingeing a new series, losing yourself in a project is a fantastic hack to distract your mind!

I adore a brief escape into a number of series & sitcoms under a weighted blanket 😍

Find what works well for you and stick to it 😌

You owe it to yourself!

Let's Recap

Anxiety is a tricky thing.

But just like a new relationship, job opportunity, or a significant life change:

It's manageable with the right approach & perspective!

Heck - that's a reminder that truly couldn't be overstated.

But I digress ...

If you feel that you need professional help, psychotherapy is an incredible tool that I cannot speak more highly of. Here's a quick video on CBT - a therapy that I started back in 2018 (and it worked wonders!) ✨

Lastly, we need to remember -

In moments of rampant, distracting thoughts...

Every outcome that petrifies us is just a possibility (one of many!)

Just like your presentation might end in chaos, it also holds an equal probability of turning out a vibrant success 🏆

Never forget that we're our own worst critics! So - don't let anxiety take the wheel ❌

We're all far more capable than we think we are ✅

If you didn't know that before, I hope you do now 💖

Thanks so much for sticking with me, readers & friends!

Until next time,

I'll be posting again real, real soon 😊