Lately, things have been weird and uncertain and if I had a dollar for every, single time in my life I had said that I would be well off financially. So, how have I been coping with anxiety lately? Hmmm… let me count the ways! Also, if it all gets to be a little too much ask for help – – there are many amazing therapists and mental health professionals to call on!
5 ways of coping with anxiety
Way 1: Physical activity
I wrote about it before but I have been really relying on it lately, running! It is good for my mind, body, and soul. There are lots of couch to 5K type routines online to get yourself started (or re-started). As they say, the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. Also, if you are a stress and anxiety eater it is a great way to add a little balance to the intake of calories since a lot of us use food as a mechanism for coping with anxiety.
Dance like no one attractive is watching.
Sasha O’Hara
If running isn’t your cup of tea, maybe some yoga or home workout videos from YouTube? W and I have been embracing our inner peace lately with a lot of Cosmic Kids Yoga. Click here to snag your “getting started with Yoga” kit. Nameste!
Way 2: Coloring
There is just something very soothing about coloring. W and I use crayons and her coloring books together. Additionally, I just snagged the perfect “just for mama” coloring book for after bedtime called Calm the F*ck Down by Sasha O’Hara. Love it! Here is a quote:
I strongly recommend a mix of crayons, colored pencils, and fine-tip pens for your coloring enjoyment. Personally, I like the contrast it gives to the picture and it makes it look fancy and stuff. Ha! Here are some of our favorite tools, click here to get started!
Way 3: Journaling
If you have been following along with the blog for a little while you might have noticed I am a BIG fan of the bullet journal method. I have been using it to keep my life organized as well as to decompress, both two great things for coping with anxiety! I just snagged another dotted journal because my first one was getting filled to capacity. The fine-tipped pens from the coloring kit also work well in #bujo or my all-time-favorite G2 pens work, too.
A small group of us also have a running discussion of 52 Lists for Happiness journal on Marco Polo each week. The socialization and accountability process has been a great tool for coping with anxiety and overwhelm. Each week has a writing prompt and an action step to encourage you to embrace the things that make you happy and incorporate them into your daily life.
Way 4: Eating mindfully
The would diet is evil, it sounds so restrictive and harsh. Let’s go with eating mindfully, it sounds a lot friendlier and compassionate, don’t you think? As someone that has struggled with issues with food, I understand how quickly it become dangerous and all-consuming.
Focusing on food with a positive point of view and balanced with exercise has actually helped me with it, a lot. Have that BIG glass of wine, cocktail, mocktail, triple-whip grande whatever mochaccino, or milkshake and those yummy snacks. Just don’t have five of whatever the drink of choice and the whole package of the snack.
One thing that I have done to practice mindful eating is to jot it all down in my bullet journal (yes, I know I am obsessed with it).
Way 5: Cooking and baking
Yes, I know I just had an entire section on mindful eating, trust me, I am not trying to be a hypocrite. If you are doing the cooking and baking you’ll know what you are putting into your body to fuel it up for all the exercising and coloring! Whether you are Betty Crocker or can barely make soup in the microwave, breaking out the pots, pans, and knives can be very soothing. Follow my Simple Recipes board on Pinterest for some ideas!
Smile, breathe, and go slowly.
Thich Nhat Hanh
What strategies do you use for coping with anxiety?
I hope that some of my ideas have helped you as they have helped me but I am always open to more suggestions! Comment below or drop me a line to let me know how you cope with it all. Remember, as Amy Lyle pointed out, we are all a mess!
Looking for more ways to live a positive life? Then join the conversation in The Inspiring Llama on Facebook!
