How to manage Anxiety - Self-Care Tips Part 2

BE THE BOSS OF YOUR THOUGHTS

I can not stress this enough and it is something that we are often trying to

re-enforce with our daughter. Anyone who is suffering with anxiety is very good at always being negative about EVERYTHING. It’s very important to learn how to turn those negative thoughts into positive ones using positive self-talk. Turning Negatives into Positives

FIND YOUR TRIGGERS

You may already know what triggers your anxiety but have you ever written it down. Journaling is a wonderful way to keep track of this. By doing so you may start to see where and when those triggers make you most anxious. Knowing the cause of your anxiety, can help you put your worries into perceptive and hopefully next time you have an anxiety attack you’ll be better prepared on how to deal with it.

WRITE DOWN YOUR WORRIES and then SCHEDULE A WORRY TIME.

Ok so this may sound crazy but I have heard more and more people who have done this and it makes sense. Take some time to identify what is making you anxious, include your emotions and what you think will make you feel better. By being able to identify and understand what actually causes the anxiety you may be able to work out how to best avoid the situations that make it worse or at least understand how to manage them better.

DANCE AND MOVE THAT BODY

As we already know exercise is a very important part of physical and mental health, but it does not have to be going to the gym or yoga. TURN up the music and DANCE- feel the beat and dance as if no one is looking. Anyone who watches Greys Anatomy will know this is one of the things that Meredith and her friends do, and if truth be told I often do this at home…. the dogs will get excited and join in, I hate to think what they may be thinking…but who cares I feel a lot less tense and more invigorated afterwards!!!!! Greys Anatomy

ENJOY THE COMPANY OF OTHERS

Too much time alone is not good for anyone and will allow those worries and anxieties to grow. By hanging out with your friends and enjoying the company of others, generally just having fun will give those with anxiety a break from their worries. Your friends and family are more than happy to be there for you…it’s YOU that just has to let them in.

*** During the COVID19 outbreak this may not be possible so Facetime friends instead.

WRITE DOWN THE HAPPY MOMENTS

Yes, there really are good days or relaxed days where you are enjoying life, however over the anxious times it is very hard to remember them. So another plus when journaling is to write them down to remind yourself. Or add those positive thoughts and emotions into the Memory Jar Memory Jar You may have started at the beginning of the year, although it is never too late to start one. It’s extremely important to remember how you have felt during the relaxed, fun care free moments in your life.

All these are small steps on how to manage your anxiety, they are not a cure but by implementing them gradually you may be able to reduce the stress of your anxiety and understand how to better manage it.