How to deal with anxiety - reissued for 2023

 "Only you can control your future" Dr. Seuss

In my post last Tuesday I updated you all about my anxiety journey and how I have progressed even with my recent relapses. In this post I'm going to tell you about the steps I try an use to control and manage that anxiety. Everyone is different so these are not steps that will suit everyone but they are definitely a place to start,  so here goes. 

If you get anxious about the unknown that is perfectly normal, it happens to everyone. A thing that I find helps me is finding an element of the day you can control. It could be something small like  the time you leave the house. It could be the food you are going to eat or the clothes you're going to wear. while they might sound small and insignificant they will help you take back some element of control.  It might also help looking up any new place you are going to visit and get a feel for the day.  This will help you feel in control. If it's a event ask someone for a run down of the day or simply just what will happen during the day. Maybe have a cuppa and  write a plan for the day, adventure or holiday.

The next one will definitely be a distraction from those anxious feelings in your tummy. Look at yourself if the mirror and give yourself a motivation speech. You might no you will feel silly and might giggle but that will ease your anxiety. That is the point be silly and tell yourself to stop overthinking it. Tell yourself you'll be okay and that 'you've got this'. 

Ask yourself what's the worse that could happen, you'll probably think or say something wildly outrageous that will not happen so tell yourself that. Tell yourself  'oh really? when has that ever happened?' I bet is hasn't really. You'll feel silly but it works. 

If you're over thinking the worst things that could happen again look in the mirror and tell yourself to stop being silly, tell yourself you'll be okay and if you've done it before remind yourself of that. 

One of the most important steps is breathing, take a moment to yourself in a place you feel comfortable, either by yourself or in a room of loved ones. Close your eyes and just focus on your breathing, I find shaking my hands at the same time helps, it is almost as if you're shaking the anxiety away. If it takes a minute that's fine, if it takes 10 minutes that's also find. Take time for yourself. 

My most important one of all, talk to people.

Talk to friends or family. You cannot do it by yourself and should not do it by yourself. Find someone to talk to and it will help you immensely. Maybe set up a weekly chat to talk about your week or just have them available to call if you're going somewhere knew, if you can do it as a group initially that will help, so when you do it next time you could go alone and know what to expect. Having an amazing support network around you helps and they will encourage you to go beyond of what you think you are capable of but believe me you are more than capable. 

I also found out that coming to terms with something not being right for you and changing the path you are on is okay. It is difficult but okay and perusing something you are passionate about will truly make you happy and appreciate the journey you have been on and where you are going. 

Hope this helps 

Kisses

Katie xx