Okie darlings, Anxiety sucks butt, however, I'm learning some good ways to cope, and before you scoff and wallow deeper in wanting to be better and not trying, try a few of these.
**Please remember everyone will prefer different coping methods so try out a few until you find what works for you!
- If you're freaking out, do something to ground you, I usually tap my thighs to show myself the passage of time and that I am really here and present.
- You can also use sensory grounding. People chose to do this in different ways but we recommend trying to describe:
- 5 things you can see.
- 4 things you can touch.
- 3 things you can hear.
- 2 things you can smell.
- 1 thing you can taste/sense.
- If you have animals, go and play with them or pet them to calm yourself down, animals always help.
- Become aware of your breathing, square breathe if you need to, (4 seconds in, hold for 4, breathe out 4, hold 4) until your breathing is completely under control.
- Remind yourself you are doing everything you can, and you are fine and safe, and doing things right. You are enough.
- Things are going to happen, and you cannot change or stop that, they happen for a reason, try to learn to accept that.
- Seek professional help! Everyone deserves help even (especially) if you think you don't need it.
- Talk to someone about your fears or what's going on. Friends, school counselors, parents, family, therapists, your dog, just get it out. You don't have to verbally communicate this, you can act it out, text it, journal, etc.
- Exercising can definitely help, although running away isn't the answer, a change of scenery for an hour or two can give a different perspective to what's on your mind.
- Please don't rely on alcohol or cigarettes to cope. It's not worth it: while they may help in the short term, they'll make things harder for you in the future.
- Fidgeting can relieve stress!
- Some music can help you with breathing patterns and focus on hopeful lyrics.
- Try chewing on bubblegum or chewing gum!
- Journal your thoughts and write down your emotions so you can reflect back at your previous thoughts and see how far you've come. A journal is also useful for tracking your symptoms, triggers, and anything else you find to be relevant.
- Reading is a wonderful distraction and reading out loud is even better as it makes your focus sharper.
- Draw your thoughts and feelings if your hands are steady enough.
- It may be worth blowing up a balloon to encourage you to breathe big deep breathes.
- Don't forget to drink water and stay hydrated! <3
If we missed something on this list that helps you, tell us and share them in the comments!
YOU ARE READING
Advice and Helpful Tips
Non-FictionIf you're struggling, we're here to help! You can ask us for advice in the comments, or message us if you prefer. We're covering as much as we can: caring for yourself, mental health, and beauty advice. Cover by @sayyumm [#1 in askforhelp] [#3 in ad...
