The world can be a harsh place to be in, especially during this time. We have had to transition from a carefree society to a more isolated way of interacting. This can limit our ability to connect with others. Not having the support of your family or friends can be very lonely and lead to increased depression and anxiety. Learning ways to cope with these emotions in a more effective manner will help reduce those symptoms. Here is a simple list of ways to help manage your anxiety. You can try to create a calming tool kit or box with at least 4 options for you to use as ways to cope.
Walking is a great way to release tension and negative energy. You can do this for at least 30 minutes 3x a week. Being out will also allow you to connect with others and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Yoga can be so good for relaxing your muscles and overall body. You can also buy some cards or watch videos showing you the most effective ways to relax.
Meditation is a great way to work on breathing and decreasing overall tension. Mindfulness allows one to feel and connect with their emotions. Visual meditation can also be helpful, especially with children.
Listen to music. Focus on music that makes you happy and feels in a good mood.
Art can allow one to express their emotions and stress along with their creativity. It’s something you can do at any time throughout the day. Colors you use can also help contribute to your mood.
Breathing exercises are a great way to train to body to calm down. You can do in anytime you feel anxious or need to calm down. Try to focus on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Write about your feelings in a journal, poetry or song as this will allow you to express yourself in a comfortable and open manner.
Exercise at least 30 min 4-5 times a week. Can be helpful for both anxiety and depression and is a great way to relieve your stress. Can watch YouTube for free videos.
Call someone for support. Especially when you know you should not be alone. People that love and care for you want to help.
Make sure you get at least 5-8 hours of sleep. You will feel less irritable or moody when you are well rested.
11. Rationalize fearful or anxiety-related thoughts. Ask yourself if this makes sense or how realistic is it and try to replace it with a more positive and hopeful thought.
12. Focus on the good things that are happening in your life and reflect on them. Remind yourself how important these things are and how they have brought you joy.
These are some healthy ways you can better manage your anxiety. If you are consistent and focus on calming yourself down when anxious, you should be able to do so by doing any of these on the list above. Take some time to figure out what helps you feel better without it being difficult to do. These are skills that need to be learned and worked on to make a difference. The more you practice, the more you are able to implement it into your daily routine.
