Anxiety sucks. I’m not talking about normal anxiety. Certain doses of it can actually be quite useful and (believe it or not) healthy for us. But that’s not the type of anxiety I’m meaning. I’m talking about crippling, panic-inducing anxiety. The type that effects everything you do and think.
When you’re feeling nervous, fearful or full of worries - more than you’re feeling ok; it can affect your day-to-day living. I could write all day about tricks and methods to try and relieve yourself from anxiety, and bring about a sense of calm. However, I’ll keep it short and sweet for this post.
Here are 5 quick-fire tips for quelling anxiety:
1. Get Rid of Clutter
Although it may seem simple, this an often overlooked remedy. I can think of a million times that I’ve stood surrounded by screeds of papers, pens, clothing and books; feeling utterly helpless.
While most people may look at the mess, sigh and start cleaning up; I literally feel like the mess is insurmountable and unfixable. It makes me feel desperately overwhelmed and depressed. Dramatic, I know. But it is what it is.
Ironically, when I’m stressed my emotions seem to build up - until they explode outwardly in the form of chaos and turmoil. Which makes me even more anxious. It’s a vicious circle.
Clutter makes you feel hella guilty. You constantly think about what a disaster you are, and how you should get it together and be more organised. It makes you feel unfocused, and overwhelms you with too much sensory stimuli. It sends messages to our brains that our work is ‘never done’. When you’re constantly feeling like this there’s no room for the good stuff - the freedom to brainstorm, think and create.
Decluttering will make a massive difference to your mental health. Since I’ve packed my entire belongings into one little suitcase (thus totally eliminating even the temptation to create clutter) my mind has felt significantly clearer. I’ve been able to focus on writing and coming up with amazing ideas with all the free space!
It might seem like too mammoth an effort, but it can be done little by little. Start with just one area (it could be a drawer, desk or shelf) and start culling! Be real with yourself. If you don’t truly need, love or use an object regularly; get rid of it. You’ll be shocked to find out how much stuff you have laying around, junking up your space. Keep doing this regularly, and you will eventually progress and find that your anxiety lessens. There is a way out!
2. Go Forest Bathing
When I was at my most stressed and anxious a few years ago; I met a wonderful woman who gave me some amazing advice. If I felt a panic-attack coming on, she advised me to immediately remove my shoes and lay on some grass. Sounds weird right? But it worked. The act of simply connecting with the earth really calmed me; and made me feel grounded and secure.
Forest Bathing is an extension of this idea. It involves slowing down and becoming immersed in your natural environment. It means visiting a natural spot (ideally a forest) and simply connecting with nature - allowing yourself to feel all the sights, sounds and smells around you. Simply focusing on the experience itself.
Forest Bathing has been scientifically shown to reduce blood pressure and stress levels, and it calms the body and the mind. If you’re feeling anxious or out of alignment, get yourself into nature and let it be your medicine. It works!
3. Try Aromatherapy
It may sound airy-fairy, but aromatherapy is another great way to ground and calm yourself when you are suffering anxiety. Lavender oil is particularly effective to settle nerves and reduce panic.
There’s several ways you can use it. You can place a few drops onto a tissue and inhale the aroma directly; or use an oil diffuser. There are heaps of little portable ones on the market, which can be great to carry around in your handbag and pull out when you need it. Adding some lavender oil to your bath and taking a relaxing soak can be super beneficial; or add a few drops to your pillow to calm yourself at night and sleep better.
4. Remind Yourself that Feelings Are Not Facts
When you’re riddled with anxiety, it’s easy to get caught up in emotions that aren’t real. They might feel very real, and you may even believe them, but you need to remind yourself that they are just feelings. Just because you are feeling lonely and upset, it doesn’t mean you are an unlovable or pessimistic person. Just because someone snapped at you, it doesn’t mean that they hate you. They may be having a bad day, or be struggling with something you don’t know about. Let go of these assumptions. Next time you are feeling anxious and find your mind starting to wander; remind yourself that feelings are not facts.
5. Ditch the Coffee
Caffeine is a stimulant, which makes it an anxiety trigger. It can make your body feel jittery and on high-alert; as it stimulates your “fight or flight” response. If you’re already prone to anxiety, it make everything feel ten times worse, and even bring on panic-attacks. Caffeine has been linked to mental disorders, as well as sleep and eating disorders.
Give up drinking coffee or caffeine filled soft drinks all together, if you can.
Otherwise, try to plan when you drink them. For example, if if you a big event coming up, or you’re already feeling nervous about something - skip the coffee!
As I said, I could write for days about all the tips and tricks I have learnt along the way to alleviate anxiety. I’ll share more remedies in future posts. But for now, here’s a little quote that resonated with me:
“Don’t assume I’m weak because I have panic attacks. You’ll never know the amount of strength it takes to face the world every day.” - Unknown
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